Police arrested two foreigners for their alleged involvement in last week’s kidnapping in Batangas of two Chinese and a Korean who were allegedly released after paying $200,000, the ransom was later converted into cryptocurrency.

Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the two Chinese were arrested in Bacoor, Cavite after trying to evade a police checkpoint on May 3 as part of the follow-up operation when the cops learned of the incident.

“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,” said Marbil.

He said the two Chinese, aged 27 and 29, were positively identified as among the kidnappers of two Chinese, a Korean and their two Filipino companions in Barangay Balaytigue, Nasugbu, Batangas on May 2.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Jean Fajardo said the victims came from Bonifacio Global City and were on their way to a resort in Nasugbu when their vehicle was intercepted by seven armed men, three of them wearing police uniforms.

All the five victims were then forcibly taken and the two Filipinos were released later, one of them sought police assistance that led to the follow-up operations.

Fajardo said negotiations were immediately done and by the time the two Chinese were arrested, all of the three foreign captives were already released after their relatives paid the ransom.

“Definitely, ransom was given that triggered the release. As to the amount, we are investigating it but what is clear is this again involved cryptocurrency,” said Fajardo.

“We are now conducting an investigation to determine how the ransom in US dollars was paid and all the people involved,” she added.

The ransom payment via cryptocurrency is now the modus of kidnappers involving wealthy Chinese and local businessmen, similar to the mode of payment in Anson Que kidnapping wherein the P200 million ransom was paid in cryptocurrency.

At least two casino junket operators were identified and are now being investigated as the ransom payment in Que kidnap-slay case was coursed through them.

Marbil said the two Chinese arrested in the kidnapping of two Chinese and are facing charges of kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms and other criminal cases.

“They were presented before the Department of Justice for inquest proceedings. Immigration-related charges are also being prepared in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration,” said Marbil.