MANILA -- Three Chinese nationals were arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by the CIDG Southern Police District Field Unit and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). 

A complainant who is also a Chinese national said that the suspect named Changao He, 36, claimed to have connections with PAOCC. The suspect also claimed that the suspect assured them of the release of a Chinese detainee in exchange for P5 million.

The victim paid the amount but the detainee was not released as promised. When the suspect asked for additional P2 million, the victim decided to seek the police help. 

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“Nilinlang para magka pera, pero 'di nakalaya. Hiningan siya ng panibagong P2 million, tapos pumunta na siya dito para humingi ng tulong," said PCol Marlon Quimno, Regional Director of CIDG NCR. 

During the entrapment operation, two other Chinese nationals were also arrested after they prevented the arrest of the suspect. 

Upon investigation, police found photos of one of the suspects wearing a PLA (People's Liberation Army) uniform.   

The PAOCC said that this has not been the first time that their office has been used to extort money through the release of POGO workers.   

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“Lahat dumadaan sa tamang proseso, lahat coordinated with the embassies and Bureau of Immigration,“ says PAOCC chief USEC Gilbert Cruz. 

Authorities filed an estafa case against He while the two other Chinese nationals were charged with obstruction of justice. 

Meanwhile, the suspects refused to comment on their arrest. 

“We cannot understand English. Talk to our lawyers,” said one of the suspects.