Chinese Embassy in the Philippines reports at least 7 kidnapping cases involving Chinese citizens in first half of the year.

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines reported on the situation of seven kidnapping cases involving Chinese citizens that occurred in the Philippines in the first half of this year.

All related cases occurred in Manila and its surrounding areas. Some were triggered by online gambling, telecom fraud, and debt disputes, while others were caused by activities such as making friends, looking for jobs, or contacting driving schools on social media.

The embassy reminds Chinese citizens in the Philippines and those planning to travel there to go out in groups and avoid areas with poor public security; be cautious in making friends, do not casually disclose personal information, and stay vigilant against online scams, meeting netizens, and approaches from strangers; beware of employment-related fraud, seek jobs through formal channels, and verify the true identity of employers as much as possible; abide by laws and regulations, stay away from online gambling, telecom fraud, and casinos, and avoid economic and debt disputes that may lead to kidnapping.

In the first half of this year, China and the Philippines jointly captured and repatriated 56 Chinese criminals, including 4 kidnappers. The embassy stated that it will continue to fully assist law enforcement agencies of both countries in combating various types of transnational criminal activities.