TWO Chinese nationals arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition last Sunday in Cavite were linked to the kidnapping of two Chinese and a Korean two days earlier, the PNP said.
The two suspects were previously identified by the Calabarzon police regional office only as Huang, 27; and Zhao, 29, residents of Pasay City and Parañaque City, respectively.
The suspects, on board a pick-up truck, were arrested by policemen in Bacoor City on Sunday morning after ignoring a police checkpoint. After a chase, the two were arrested in possession of a pistol and over a hundred rounds of ammunition, among others.
Yesterday, the PNP said the suspects’ full name are Huang Yuze and Zhao Li Shan.
It said the two were involved in the kidnapping of two Chinese and a Korean in Barangay Balaytigue in Nasugbu town in Batangas last Friday. The victims were released the following day after ransom negotiations.
The PNP said the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group and Calabarzon police conducted follow-up operation last Sunday, leading to the arrest of the suspects in Bacoor City.
“The suspects attempted to evade arrest by fleeing towards a nearby residential area when flagged down, but authorities pursued them and successfully apprehended them after a brief chase,” the PNP said in a statement.
Criminal charges, including kidnapping, were filed by police investigators before the Department of Justice last Tuesday, the PNP said, adding that immigration-related charges are being readied against them.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said, “This swift and coordinated response demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protect everyone within our borders —Filipinos and foreign nationals alike.”
“Let this be a clear warning to criminal syndicates: the Philippines will never be a haven for transnational crime. We will respond with resolve, and we will hold all offenders accountable,” added Marbil.
