Cop dies in gunfight with Chinese men who allegedly abducted compatriots

A police officer is killed while another one is injured during a gun battle with Chinese men who allegedly abducted their compatriots in Angeles City, Pampanga, on August 3, 2024. Members of the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) were conducting a rescue operation for two abducted Chinese nationals on August 3 in Angeles City when the shooting ensued. Authorities said the AKG’s operation stemmed from a report by a Chinese police attaché that the abductors demanded 500,000 yuan or P8 million as ransom for the two Chinese kidnapping victims. | PHOTO: Philippine National Police

MANILA, Philippines — A police officer was killed while another one was injured during a gun battle with Chinese men who allegedly abducted their compatriots in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Members of the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) were conducting a rescue operation for two abducted Chinese nationals on August 3 in Angeles City when the shooting ensued. Police Staff Sergeant Nelson Santiago was hit and later pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital while Police Chief Master Sergeant Eden Accede was wounded.

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Authorities said the AKG’s operation stemmed from a report by a Chinese police attaché that kidnappers demanded 500,000 yuan or P8 million as ransom for the two Chinese victims, who are residents of Makati City.

Police said the two unnamed victims were rescued while the suspects, who were identified as Hu Kai and Ryu Don, both from China, were arrested.

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The suspects yielded a .45-caliber pistol and a .38-caliber revolver, drug paraphernalia, and different kinds of jungle knives.

The victims and suspects were eventually brought to the Philippine National Police Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, for documentation and further questioning.