Malaysian kidnapping suspects detained after woman rescued

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The kidnapping took place at Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City. AFP Photo

MANILA: Two Malaysians were among a group of 45 foreign kidnappers detained after a Singaporean woman was rescued by Philippine authorities.

The operation to arrest the kidnappers were carried out on Tuesday by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Philippine National Police, leading to the rescue of the Singaporean who was identified as Wu Yan, according to a report in the Daily Inquirer.

She was forcibly taken by three men and a woman at Solaire Resort and Casino, Pasay City, one of the cities in the Metro Manila region.

The victim was later brought to a room in Bayview International Towers in Pasay City where she was beaten and threatened by her kidnappers. They demanded US$180,000 (S$246,000) for her release.

BI’s Fugitive Search Unit and the police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group said in a statement yesterday that the group is believed to be responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents involving tourists who are casino high-rollers in recent months.

In the conduct of the initial operation, 26 foreigners were rounded up. They failed to present any immigration documents and refused to divulge their identities.

A follow-up operation led to the arrest of 19 more foreigners believed to be members of the kidnap-for-ransom group.

The 45 foreigners were brought to the headquarters of the police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group in Quezon City.

Two officers from China’s Ministry of Public Security and Chinese Interpol assisted in the investigation and also served as translators.