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MANILA, Philippines — Two men have been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a 19-year-old Chinese national on Monday in Taguig City, the Southern Police District said on Wednesday.
Five other suspects are being sought, as the two in custody were charged with kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and illegal possession of firearms in the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office.
READ: Chinese man accused of abduction nabbed in Zambales
The victim, a resident of Manila, said he was lured to a house by an alias “Izzy,” whom he met through a messaging app. However, he was beaten up by five other men and held captive while they demanded P5 million from his father for his release.
The amount was later lowered to P1.1 million and collected by an alias “Sean” at a mall in Bonifacio Global City.
The victim was then transported to Angono, Rizal, where he was released. A police follow-up operation led to the arrest of “Erwin” and “Richard,” who yielded a .38-caliber revolver with five bullets.
Both were positively identified by the victim. —Russel Loreto