Philippines: Underlying risk of kidnapping for ransom in Manila

Event

Police reportedly detained 43 suspects (two Malaysian and 41 Chinese nationals) believed to be involved in a series of kidnappings targeting wealthy foreigners on Tuesday, July 18, after police launched a raid to rescue a Singaporean tourist who had been abducted the day before. The victim was reportedly befriended by three individuals while playing at the Solaire Resorts and Casino in Pasay City, Metro Manila, who then invited her to a different casino nearby. They then allegedly took her to the Bayview International Towers in Paranaque City, where she was reportedly beaten by her captors and forced to make a video for her family demanding USD 180,000 for her release.

Those arrested in the security operation are believed to be a part of a kidnapping syndicate that typically operated in teams of four and primarily targeted foreigners at casinos. At least one more suspect remains at large and security operations are ongoing.

Context

Health officials believe the increase in dengue fever cases is due to the early onset of the rainy season, which is concurrent to mosquito breeding season.

Symptoms of classic dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Typical encephalitis is spread via mosquito bite, with symptoms including headache, fever, aches in muscles or joints, fatigue or weakness. The symptoms of the more serious Japanese encephalitis include fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, difficulty moving, swelling around the brain, and coma.

Advice

Individuals are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g., by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (small pockets of fresh water, such as rain water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).