A "silent kidnapping" without gunfire, alarms, or police investigation is quietly shocking the Chinese business community in the Philippines.
A Chinese steel tycoon, who holds a significant position in the Fujian Chamber of Commerce, was forcibly abducted by unidentified armed men last Saturday night in Manila. After several days of secret negotiations, he was released for a ransom of 100 million pesos, and the entire process was not reported to the police or disclosed publicly, drawing great attention.
"Silent disappearance" outside the restaurant dubbed "the quietest kidnapping case"
According to multiple contributors close to the victim, the businessman is a low-profile Fujianese industrialist, enthusiastic about charity, and a well-known figure in the Philippine steel industry, often referred to as "Mr. Charity."
That night, he was dining with friends at a famous seafood restaurant in Greater Manila. Just as he stepped out of the private room, he was quickly subdued and taken away by several men in black clothing and equipped with earpieces. The whole process took just a few seconds, with almost no reaction from the bystanders, and the restaurant staff did not call the police, suggesting prior planning.
Kidnappers initially demanded 120 million pesos, settled for 100 million, family discreetly "settled privately"
Sources revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 120 million pesos and threatened "not to call the police, or else tear up the ticket." Out of fear, the family chose not to call the police and instead had several core senior members of the Fujian Chamber of Commerce negotiate privately. After several days of secret negotiations, they successfully redeemed the hostage with a cash payment of 100 million pesos.
"The first thing his family said was 'do not call the police,' preferring to spend money rather than anger the kidnappers," a person in the know said, "These people are not just after quick money; they know who their target is and know someone will pay."
Suspected "same gang": BGC student kidnapping case mentioned again
Many Chinese businessmen believe that this case is very similar to the recent shocking BGC Chinese student kidnapping case:
Actions are swift, the scene is clean and traceless
Targets are precisely selected for their high net worth
The negotiation process has a "cultural familiarity"
There are even rumors that some kidnappers speak fluent Chinese
All these signs lead to speculation: Is there already a criminal group specializing in "hunting" wealthy Chinese in the Philippines? There might even be an "insider" providing information on their whereabouts.
Business community worried: "If even he can be kidnapped, what about us?"
After the incident spread in the business community, it has caused a chain reaction. Many Chinese entrepreneurs have started to increase their security budgets, adjust their travel times, and reduce public appearances.
A senior Chinese businessman in the Philippine real estate industry said bluntly, "He is the most low-profile and charitable person in our circle, and even he was targeted, what sense of security do the rest of us, ordinary small and medium business owners, have?"
Police silence, public anxiety, Chinese community falls into fear of being targeted
As of press time, the Philippine police have not issued any statement on the case, nor confirmed whether an investigation has been initiated. The whole case seems to be "muted," slowly fermenting amidst official silence.
