In the Philippines, kidnapping incidents occur frequently, becoming a major social malady. Recently, several pleas for help from victims' families have been received in group chats.
In these kidnapping cases, the experiences of victims of different nationalities vary significantly, with the Philippine government showing a clear double standard in handling these incidents.
American Kidnapped: High Priority for the Philippine Government
On October 17, 2024, an American young man named Eastman was kidnapped in Sambal Yan Province, Philippines, drawing widespread attention. The FBI intervened, and although the Philippine police claimed that the FBI was just gathering information, the collaboration between the two was close.
The chief of Sambal Yan Police Station urged the public to provide clues and maintain confidentiality. The police also identified some suspects and actively pursued the kidnappers. Clearly, the Philippines takes the kidnapping of American citizens very seriously.
Chinese Kidnapped: A Neglected Group
However, the situation for Chinese nationals kidnapped in the Philippines is disheartening.
On October 8, a Chinese woman in Bulacan Province was kidnapped by eight kidnappers demanding 3 million Philippine pesos. Although she was released after paying the ransom, the police only captured one suspect, with the rest still at large, and the pursuit of the kidnappers is progressing slowly.
On October 20, a Chinese man fishing in Bulacan Province was kidnapped, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of 300,000 US dollars. His relatives paid part of the ransom, and he was not released until October 23, with police rescue operations severely delayed. In June, two Chinese were kidnapped and killed, and although suspects were identified, there was no substantial progress in arrests.
These cases indicate that the Philippine government's response to the kidnapping of Chinese citizens is slow and lacks sufficient attention, causing great suffering to the victims and their families.
Analysis of Why Chinese Are Often Kidnapped
There are multiple reasons why Chinese are easily kidnapped in the Philippines. Economically, many Chinese in the Philippines are involved in business with relatively strong financial power and significant business cash flow, making them targets for kidnappers who believe kidnapping Chinese can yield high ransoms.
Some Chinese are involved with illegal gambling in the Philippines, whether actively participating or being involuntarily involved. Those associated with gambling have complex economic and social connections, making them kidnapping targets. In terms of security, some areas in the Philippines lack sufficient police force and have poor security, allowing criminals to run rampant, complicating the police's investigation and arrest of kidnappers, increasing the risk of harm to Chinese.
Additionally, there is a large number of Chinese in the Philippines with distinctive features, making them easily identifiable. Some Chinese lack understanding and awareness of local security situations, providing opportunities for kidnappers.
Behind the Double Standards: Complex Reasons and Impacts
The different attitudes of the Philippine government towards kidnapping incidents involving Chinese and American citizens have complex reasons.
In international politics, the Philippines and the USA have close political and military ties, with significant American influence. The Philippine government goes all out to handle kidnapping incidents involving American citizens to maintain relations and avoid affecting the alliance.
In terms of media pressure, the USA has a dominant position in international media. Kidnapping of American citizens garners widespread attention, putting significant pressure on the Philippine government to act quickly; whereas kidnapping cases involving Chinese citizens receive less international media attention, resulting in less pressure on the Philippine government and a lack of urgency in handling these cases.
Considering economic interests, some forces in the Philippines overly value American economic aid and investment, neglecting China's economic contributions. Although China and the Philippines have extensive cooperation in trade and infrastructure, which drives employment and development in the Philippines, the Philippine government has not fully linked the safety of Chinese citizens with its own economic interests, leading to double standards in handling kidnapping cases.
