No ransom was paid during the rescue operation for a 14-year-old Chinese national who was earlier reported abducted on February 20 in Taguig City, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a press briefing at Camp Crame on Wednesday, PNP Public Information Chief PCol. Randulf Tuaño said the male senior high school student was found abandoned along Macapagal Avenue in Parañaque City on Tuesday night.

“Walang ransom po na ibinigay ang pamilya doon sa mga nag-abduct sa Chinese student (The family did not give any ransom to those who abducted the Chinese student),” he noted.

Tuaño said the victim has been reunited with his father and was subsequently taken to the hospital for a medical examination.

Tuaño clarified that the release of the student was due to the “intense pressure” applied by the members of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

He said one of the possible motives being investigated is the victim's father's involvement in a previous illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operation before he became a "big-time e-seller.”

Manhunt vs abductors ongoing

In a separate press briefing, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla said the kidnappers abandoned the missing student from the British School Manila along a road in Parañaque City.

“The boy was left by his abductors during a hot pursuit operation in the Parañaque area. The cell phone signal of the captors was a few hundred meters away when they found the boy wearing pajamas on the side of the road,” he told reporters.

He added, “The boy was recovered, but the signal of the phone disappeared.”

Further, Remulla said part of the boy’s finger was severed but noted he is currently receiving treatment.

He said the authorities have already identified the kidnappers, and there’s an ongoing pursuit operation against them.

“We know who they are. We know where they are operating from. We will find them. Justice will be served,” Remulla warned.

The victim was initially reported abducted on 20 February, along with the family driver, who was reported missing the following day.

There is no information yet regarding the driver's status, despite unverified claims circulating on social media that he was killed.