Pasay City: Operatives of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested three Chinese nationals for allegedly defrauding a compatriot of PHP7.5 million in Pasay City. In a report on Tuesday, CIDG-National Capital Region (NCR) chief Col. Marlon Quimno stated that the suspects, identified as Changao He, 36; Yong Pin Pang, 32; and Ming Wei Xiong, 33, were apprehended in an entrapment operation along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Barangay 76, shortly after 11 p.m. on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operation was initiated following a complaint from Liang Xiao Hu, 34. Liang reported to the CIDG-NCR that Changao had offered to facilitate the release of his friend, who had been arrested by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in January, in exchange for money. Changao allegedly claimed to have connections with the PAOCC.

Liang initially provided Changao with PHP5 million for his friend's release, but when Changao failed to fulfill his promise, he requested an additional PHP2.5 million. Coordination with PAOCC revealed that Changao had fraudulently used the agency's name to perpetrate the scam. During the operation, Yong and Ming attempted to obstruct the authorities from arresting Changao.

In an interview, Ming admitted to being a former member of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Subsequently, Changao was charged with estafa, while his two associates faced charges of obstruction of justice. The three suspects were taken to the CIDG Southern District Field Unit Office for documentation and proper disposition.