By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said its operatives arrested two Chinese nationals for kidnapping three foreigners in Batangas.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, in a media interview, said the two male suspects, aged 27 and 29, were apprehended at a police checkpoint in Bacoor, Cavite on May 3.
The suspects tried to evade arrest when flagged down but were eventually caught in a residential area after a brief chase.
The two allegedly abducted two Chinese nationals and a Korean national in Barangay Balaytigue, Nasugbu, Batangas on May 2.
The victims were released the following day after ransom negotiations.
The police launched a follow-up operation after getting a lead in the investigation based on the surveillance footage and witness accounts.
“Positively identified po sila ng mga kidnap victims natin (They [suspects] were positively identified by the kidnap victims),” Fajardo said.
The police recovered firearms, ammunition, and items directly linked to the kidnapping incident from the suspects.
On Monday, the suspects were presented before the Department of Justice for inquest proceedings, while immigration-related charges are also being prepared in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration. (PNA)
