2 Chinese men arrested for kidnapping Korean, compatriots in Philippines

The suspects, identified as Huang Yuze, 27, and Zhao Li Shan, 29, were apprehended on May 3 at a police checkpoint in Bacoor City of Cavite Province, following a joint operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Group and Police Regional Office 4A, PNP said on its official Facebook page.

The victims, two Chinese nationals and one South Korean, were abducted in Barangay Balaytigue, Nasugbu, Batangas, early in the morning of May 2. They were on a fishing trip when their vehicle was intercepted by seven armed men, three of whom were dressed in police uniforms.

Two Filipino companions, including the driver, were later released at separate locations in Tagaytay City and Naic, Cavite, according to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, as quoted by Philstar. The driver immediately sought help from local police.

The kidnappers demanded a ransom of 200,000 USDT (a form of cryptocurrency with 1 USDT worth US$1) per victim. The three victims were released the following day after the victims' families paid an undisclosed amount, ABS CBN News reported.

Authorities pursued the two suspects, who attempted to evade arrest by fleeing into a nearby residential area when stopped at the checkpoint. Police apprehended them after a short chase, recovering firearms and ammunition fincluding a .45 caliber pistol, a 9mm handgun, and several rounds of ammunition.