Taiwanese and Philippine authorities have cracked down on a kidnapping ring based in the Metro Manila area. One Taiwanese victim was rescued in the process.
In early September, a Taiwanese man surnamed Li was lured to a bar in Paranaque in the Manila metro area under false premises and kidnapped. Criminals then sent a photo of beaten and bruised Li to his family demanding a ransom of NT$500,000 (almost US$16,000).
Taiwan’s representative office in Manila helped the victim’s family raise funds and worked with the local police force to ensure Li’s safety. He was rescued four days after the kidnapping and the Philippine police arrested five members of the ring, while also seizing four firearms with ammunition. Four additional members of the criminal group are still at large and sought by the police.
The gang calls itself “Warla” and has been operating since 2018. They are responsible for 14 known kidnappings, targeting mainly Asians. The group is said to have used the ransom money for gender reassignment surgeries for its members.