The Philippine National Police (PNP)-Anti-Kidnapping Group rescued two Chinese nationals following a raid in Las Piñas City, Sunday.
Police Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, director of the PNP-AKG, said the rescue operation was prompted after the family of the victims requested for their assistance.
Arrested in connection with the kidnapping are two Chinese nationals identified as Weng Zhiting and Cheng Guo.
According to the police report, the family of the two victims, identified as Jiang Xiao Hao and Li Weizu, were being forced to pay a huge sum of money in exchange for their release.
When they refused, the kidnappers sent them a video of the two being beat up.
Subsequent investigation led police to the kidnappers' hideout in a subdivision at BF Resort Village in Las Piñas.
The raid occurred at around 11 a.m. Sunday.
Police Major Ronaldo Lumactod, AKG spokesman, said the kidnapping started with the victims being lured to convert their Philippine money to foreign currency.
"The suspects offer higher rates, less hassle and faster way in exchanging their current money currency compared to bank transactions which need a lot of requirements," said Lumactod.
"To gain the trust of their would-be-victims, they would change the Philippine peso to a foreign currency with a higher rate, however on their second transaction, that's the time they will pursue their nefarious activities for kidnapping," he added.
Seized during the rescue operations were cellular phones, one fired cartridge case of 9mm, one live ammunition of caliber .38 , two handcuffs, and plastic straps.
Cases of kidnapping with serious illegal detention were filed against the suspects.