Gambler nabbed for ‘kidnap me’ scam

MANILA, Philippines — A man, who is allegedly addicted to gambling in casinos, and his friend were arrested Monday night for allegedly pretending to be kidnapped in order to demand “ransom” from his sister.

Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat, Counter Intelligence Task Force chief, said Joana Paula Aguilar sought the CITF’s assistance, claiming her brother Jon Dominic Maceda was arrested by “SPO3 Dimaano” for a traffic violation on July 15 and he would be released from a precinct in Pasay in exchange for P40,000.

The CITF staged a sting at a money remittance outlet and arrested Anby Molina when he claimed the money sent by Aguilar, who led them to Maceda.

Maceda pawned his Toyota Wigo to a casino financier and wanted to recover his losses, police said.