It is reported that kidnappers abducted a 14-year-old student from the British School Manila (BSM) located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, and severed his right pinky finger despite his family paying a $20 million ransom.
BSM later confirmed the news of the high school student's disappearance, who was kidnapped along with his family's driver, who was supposed to take the victim from McKinley East in BGC to the school.
"We are working closely with the family and relevant authorities to support the investigation. At this moment, we do not have more details to share and kindly request everyone not to speculate and respect the family's privacy during this difficult time," said BSM principal Martin van der Linde.
The victim, a resident of McKinley Hill in BGC, was kidnapped on February 20. He went missing the next day. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Starex van he was in was found in Bulacan with the driver dead.
The Southern Police District (PNP-SPD) of the Philippine National Police stated that the investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as soon as investigators and agents make progress in the kidnapping case.
The Philippine National Police told the Manila Standard in a text message: "The investigation is ongoing, and we will immediately release updates on the progress of the investigation into the British School kidnapping."
However, the police have not confirmed the authenticity of the video of the kidnappers and the photo of the victim's right hand wrapped in adhesive bandages.
Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval also stated that they have no information about this case but are investigating potential suspects and claims that the kidnapping is related to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
In addition to the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is also keen to know if foreigners are involved in this case. Sandoval mentioned that they have dispatched personnel to assist in the investigation and are coordinating with the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the victim's family.
Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian commented on the reported kidnapping, linking it to POGO, which he described as "extremely shocking."
Gatchalian stated on social media: "Despite the presidential ban, online gambling continues to ravage our country, fostering crime and harming communities. This blatant illegal activity must be suppressed with absolute force."
The senator urged law enforcement to "relentlessly pursue these remnants of POGO and destroy their operations."
Gatchalian added: "We need to take harsh, relentless measures to permanently eliminate illegal online gambling companies and protect our people, especially our students, from the increasingly rampant network of criminal activities."
