The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Monday it has resolved a kidnap-for-ransom case involving a foreign national abducted under the guise of a vehicle transaction in Metro Manila. The victim was rescued in Batangas, and 12 suspects, including six Chinese nationals, have been arrested.

PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III told reporters at a press briefing that the kidnapping occurred on 1 July in Parañaque City. The victim, a foreign national, was reportedly assisting a relative with a supposed car sale when he was lured into a trap set by a criminal group posing as buyers.

“Based on our investigation, it became clear that the kidnapping was premeditated and carried out by an organized group composed of both foreign and local individuals,” Torre said.

After gaining the victim’s trust, the suspects took control of the vehicle and demanded a large ransom from the victim’s family for his safe release.

Upon receiving the report, the PNP’s Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) immediately launched a multi-agency response. Authorities conducted surveillance, gathered intelligence and coordinated across jurisdictions over several days to track the suspects.

On 13 July, after days of negotiations and targeted follow-up operations, PNP personnel successfully rescued the victim from a safehouse in Sto. Tomas, Batangas and 12 suspects were arrested during the rescue operation and subsequent follow-up raids in Pasay and Makati cities and Imus, Cavite.

The operations also led to the recovery of multiple vehicles believed to be used in the group’s illegal activities, P1 million in cash, two firearms, illegal drugs and uniforms for policemen and security guards.