Kidnapped Tsinoy trader found dead

MANILA, Philippines - A Chinese-Filipino businessman was found dead in Sta. Maria, Bulacan before dawn on Thursday, a few hours after he was kidnapped in Caloocan City.

Sources told The STAR yesterday that the body of Benito Chao, 65, owner of an umbrella store, was found at around 2:45 a.m. in Barangay Guyong in Sta. Maria.

The victim, who was reportedly shot in the head, was identified by one of his sons later in the morning.

Chao was kidnapped along Mindanao extension in Caloocan City last Wednesday. The still unidentified kidnappers then contacted his family about a ransom payment, according to sources.

“The kidnappers were reportedly asking for a P20-million ransom. The family negotiated with them and were able to convince the kidnappers to bring the amount down to P15 million,” the source said.

Meanwhile, reports circulating in Manila’s Chinatown district stated that Chao’s family coordinated with the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) and the kidnappers apparently got wind of it, as one of the family members received a text message saying, “Loko yang anak mo (Your son is naughty).”

Several hours later, the family members reportedly received another text message, telling them where to find the body of Chao.

But Senior Superintendent Rene Gumban, head of the PNP-AKG, denied reports that Chao’s family coordinated with his unit.

He said they only became aware of the case when they were told about it by the Sta. Maria police after the recovery of the victim’s body.

Gumban said they are determining whether Chao’s death is indeed a kidnap-for-ransom case.

“Two of my operatives are now coordinating with the Sta. Maria police to get reports regarding the discovery of Chao’s body,” Gumban told The STAR. “We have no copy of the autopsy report yet.”

He promised to work on Chao’s case.

The kidnap-slaying of Chao occurred as the anti-crime watchdog Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order raised concern on the rising number of kidnap-for-ransom cases in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Sources said there were at least 16 kidnap-for-ransom incidents from January up to the present.

“For the last three days, Tsinoys have been very concerned because of the apparent surge in kidnapping incidents,” a source said.

Another source said there were two kidnapping incidents last week. One of the victims was on his way home from work when snatched by still unidentified armed men.

The source said the victim was driving his car, which was bumped from behind by the kidnappers.  – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Non Alquitran