CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines—Three suspected kidnappers were killed in an encounter with police in Cabuyao, Laguna Friday night, a police official said Saturday.

Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad, Calabarzon police director, said the three men, who have yet to be identified, were killed in a police operation to rescue the suspects' kidnap victim Chinese trader Jeff Ching, 29, at Executive village, Barangay (village) Mamatid around 7:15 p.m.

Ching was kidnapped around 9:30 a.m. Friday, while on his way to deliver Fortune tobacco products in the village of Malipay, Bacoor, Cavite.

Recovered from the scene were two .45 cal. pistols and a .38 cal. gun.

The bodies of the three suspected kidnappers were brought to Sherwin Funeral Home in the said town for autopsy.

Palad said police were still tracking down other members of the kidnap-for-ransom group.