Cop held for detaining Chinese in Pasay hotel

MANILA, Philippines — A police officer and a student were apprehended in Pasay City on Sunday for allegedly detaining a Chinese tourist in a hotel and demanding P500,000 in ransom for her release.

Lordgin Antonino, 39, was nabbed along with student Nelson Antonino Jr., 20, at Qing Qing Hotel in Barangay 74 at around 10:48 p.m., according to National Capital Region Police Office chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

Investigators said Zhou Yunqing, 26, was reportedly arrested by the older Antonino.

Yunqing’s friend, Law Yi Wei, reported the incident to authorities.

“He showed to police the picture of the victim in handcuffs as well as the police ID of M/Sgt. John Reggie Reyes with badge number 124539. The suspects’ text message asking for P500,000 in exchange for Yunquing’s release was also forwarded to police,” probers said.

Police proceeded to the hotel and saw the older Antonino at the lobby.

When police asked for his ID, it was discovered that the name was different, but the profile photo was the same.

Police arrested the suspects, who yielded a handgun, ammunition, P14,000 in cash, assorted IDs and three cell phones.

The Antoninos are being held on charges of illegal detention, robbery and extortion.