2 Koreans in kidnap case nabbed at NAIA

Two Korean nationals allegedly involved in the kidnapping of their countrymen who were on vacation in the Philippines were apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport yesterday while about to depart for Itchon, South Korea.

The Bureau of Immigration said Park Byeong Jun and Kim Dae Sung, both 31, were among six Koreans wanted for the kidnapping last Saturday of a Korean couple identified as Wang Jae Dong, 46, and Wang Jae Kil, 46, near the Japanese embassy on Roxas Blvd.

Wang was able to escape his abductors after jumping from a Toyota van belonging to the suspects. His wife was later released after reportedly paying an undetermined amount.

The arrest of the suspects was made after Immigration Commissioner Andrea Domingo received a tip from Manila police that they planned to sneak out of the country through the NAIA.

The suspects were turned over to police by Domingo for investigation and possible filing of a kidnapping case against them. Four of their accomplices are still at large.

Domingo said South Korean-based criminal syndicates have expanded their operations in the Philippines, preying on their wealthy countrymen touring the country. – Rey Arquiza