POGO-linked syndicate behind Taguig student kidnapping

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that a syndicate involved in former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations is behind the kidnapping of an international student from an exclusive school in Taguig City.

The victim's parents communicated with kidnappers via WeChat, leading authorities to suspect ties between the family and POGO operators; police found evidence linking the perpetrators to AWOL bodyguards who formerly worked for POGO.

On February 20, the kidnapped 14-year-old Chinese national was rescued by authorities after being held for several days. The kidnappers were traced through evidence found in an abandoned vehicle where the driver's body was discovered.

The kidnapping is suspected to be linked to the victim’s father's past involvement with POGO and his online-selling business, with a ransom demand of $20 million initially made but not paid.

Authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend remaining suspects involved in the syndicate, with a primary suspect identified as Wang Dan Yu who is wanted for a shooting incident in Makati.