MANILA — Three Chinese nationals and a Filipino woman were arrested after allegedly kidnapping a Chinese businessman in Angeles City.
According to police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) director PBGen. Edwin Balles, the victim is a 37-year-old Chinese national who owns a local supermarket chain and recently arrived from China for a vacation.
"Itong victim ay nagbabakasyon lang galing sa China. ‘Yung isang suspek ay frequent na nilang customer, so he might have been doing surveillance," Balles said.
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Police said the businessman was abducted in front of an establishment along Friendship Highway in Angeles City on Sunday.
Investigators said the suspects demanded a ransom of $1 million, or about P60 million, in exchange for the victim's release, indicating that the kidnapping was financially motivated.
The victim, however, seized an opportunity to escape two days after the abduction.
"Nagkaroon siya ng oportunidad ng gabing iyon at siya ay lumundag sa bintana kung saan ‘yung mga suspek ay nakatulog dahil nag-inuman," Balles said.
Authorities later traced the suspects, leading to the arrest of four individuals.
The suspects are now facing inquest proceedings for kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention.
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Police are still searching for two other alleged accomplices—another Chinese national and a Filipino suspect—who remain at large.
Balles said investigators are coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration and the Chinese Embassy to verify the identities and immigration records of the foreign nationals allegedly involved in the case.