The arrested Indian nationals reportedly behind the kidnapping of their compatriots. (Photo from Las Piñas police)
Members of the Las Piñas City police rescued four Indian nationals who were kidnapped and illegally detained by four of their compatriots for non-payment of their P200,000 car accident settlement on July 5.
Las Piñas City police chief Col. Sandro Tafalla reported to the Southern Police District (SPD) the arrest of alias Ramanathan, 22; alias Devesh, 22; alias Sanjay, 22; and alias Venkata, 21, all Indian nationals.
Tafalla said the four suspects were arrested at around 10:30 p.m. at a residential building located at Barangay Pamplona Tres, Las Piñas.
He said two other suspects, identified as alias Lmahen and alias Shivarishi, were able to escape during the rescue operation and are now being hunted by the police.
The city police chief said the rescued victims were identified as alis Ven, 21; alias Vam, 21; alias Sai, 22; and alias Kal, 19.
Tafalla said the victims were allegedly robbed and detained by the suspects for their failure to pay the P200,000 car accident settlement.
He said the victims rented a Nissan Tiera owned by Shivarishi in going to Nasugbu, Batangas last May 24 but they unfortunately had an accident.
The police said suspect, Shavarishi, reportedly demanded the victims to pay the amount of P700,000 after his car suffered damages but the victims reportedly paid only P500,000.
Tafalla said by failing to to pay the remaining P200,000, the victims were kidnapped, robbed, and illegally detained by the suspects on July 5.
He said a friend of the victims reported the incident to the police and a rescue operation was launched.
The city police chief said recovered during the operation were a white Hyundai Accent with license plate DAC 2660, one wooden broomstick, and one metal dustpan, which were reportedly used in the assaults.
Taffala added the suspects also took the victims 'ATM cards and conducted unauthorized online transactions amounting to P120,000 and an iPhone 13 worth ₱55,000.
He said the suspects were detained at the police custodial facility and criminal charges were being prepared against them.