The two Chinese nationals were arrested in Pasay City after detaining a fellow countryman against his will, according to an NBI report.
According to the NBI-NCR, they received a complaint on September 9 from a Chinese man who asked for help to rescue his friend. The victim sent a message on Telegram that he was being held captive inside a condominium in Pasay.
A rescue operation was immediately conducted on September 15, resulting in the arrest of the two suspects and the rescue of the victim.
NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin said the victim was recruited in August 2025 for an IT position through Telegram. When he learned that the company's operations were illegal, he wanted to leave but was stopped and his passport confiscated. He was forced to work and detained for 15 to 20 days.
The suspects were found to have connections to the previous operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). A case of serious illegal detention has been filed against them and the NBI is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration regarding the suspects' overstaying status.
