China launches urgent steps with Philippines to probe killing of citizen

China's Ministry of Public Security announced on Thursday that it has immediately initiated law enforcement cooperation with authorities in the Philippines to investigate the recent kidnapping and killing of Chinese citizen surnamed Xia.

The public security organs have also traveled to the Philippines to provide assistance to the family members of the victim. The ministry also stated its commitment to combat all forms of crimes that infringe upon China's security and interests and vowed to decisively capture the criminals.

Recently, two Chinese individuals working in the medical equipment industry were kidnapped upon their arrival in the Philippines and were found murdered on June 24. One of them was a Chinese citizen, and the other was a Chinese-American.

On July 2, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines stated that it had received a report seeking assistance regarding the kidnapping of a Chinese citizen in the Philippines. The embassy immediately activated emergency procedures and launched rescue efforts.

The embassy assisted the family in reporting the case to the Philippine police, coordinated with the Philippine authorities under the guidance of domestic law enforcement agencies, and engaged in law enforcement cooperation. Through diplomatic channels, they urged the Philippine authorities to swiftly rescue the hostages and take concrete measures to ensure the safety and legitimate rights of Chinese citizens in the Philippines.

A spokesperson for the Philippine National Police announced on July 9 that they had identified the names of eight suspects involved in the case. Among them were Filipinos and nationals from other countries, including individuals who were present at the airport on June 20 to pick up the two victims.