Chinese nabbed for kidnap of compatriot

Over casino debt

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese man was nabbed after detaining a fellow Chinese who could not pay his debt incurred in a Manila casino.

Song Peng Ren, 35, also known as Luo Jie, was allegedly behind a group that kidnapped another Chinese man named Jun Cheng.

A Chinese witness who knew the victim sought help from the Manila Police District and reported that Jun was “detained and forcibly taken” from a casino operated by Song at the corner of General Malvar and Adriatico streets in Malate on June 28, according to a statement from the MPD.

The unidentified witness saw Jun playing baccarat at one of the tables in the casino, police said.

The witness later found out that Jun owed Song P200,000, which rose to P500,000 due to interest, prompting Song to demand that Jun “work for him until he fully paid the debt.”

The issue of debt caused a commotion at the casino until Jun and Song were brought out of the establishment. The witness said it was his last contact with Jun.

He later found out that Jun was detained at a hotel on Song’s order.

The witness’ statements prompted the MPD to launch an operation that led to the arrest of Song and eventually the rescue of Jun, also known as Luo Jing, on June 29.

Both Song and Jun were identified by two Chinese witnesses, including the one who saw Jun play baccarat, the MPD said.

Song led the group of five men that included two Chinese and two Filipinos in kidnapping Jun, police said, adding that Song might face charges of serious illegal detention and theft.