Prime Suspect in Makati Hotpot Restaurant Murder Arrested After 9-Month Manhunt
A 9-month manhunt has come to an end with the arrest of Wang Danyou, also known as "Baolong," a 28-year-old Chinese national suspected of shooting and killing a fellow Chinese man, 29-year-old Liu Jiabin, at a hotpot restaurant in Makati, Philippines. The incident occurred on October 17, 2024, at approximately 2:30 AM, in a private room of the restaurant. Surveillance footage captured the shooting, showing a man in black firing seven shots at a shirtless man who then fell from his chair.
21 July 2025
Wang Danyou was arrested on July 19, 2025, in the southern border waters of the Philippines while attempting to board a speedboat. He is also suspected of involvement in murder, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom cases. The Philippine National Police had formed a special task force to pursue Wang Danyou, who was a wanted fugitive in several countries.
The case has raised concerns about the safety of Chinese citizens traveling and residing in Southeast Asia, especially given other recent cases of missing tourists and kidnappings involving Chinese nationals in the region. The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines issued a statement confirming the deceased was a Chinese citizen.
According to the police investigation, both the suspect and the victim were allegedly involved with offshore gaming operators (POGO). The Philippine Immigration Bureau had listed Wang Danyou on their watchlist and prohibited him from leaving the country due to his fugitive status.
The arrest of Wang Danyou has brought relief to the family of the victim and the Chinese community in the Philippines. However, the incident has also highlighted the need for increased cooperation between the Philippines and China in combating transnational crime and ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens abroad.
The Philippine government had offered a reward of 200,000 pesos (approximately $3,800 USD) for information leading to the capture of Wang Danyou. The successful apprehension of the suspect is seen as a significant achievement for the Philippine National Police and a demonstration of their commitment to justice and public safety.
As the case continues to unfold, authorities are working to determine the motives behind the shooting and the extent of Wang Danyou's involvement in other crimes. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in combating crime and protecting citizens abroad.