Korean seized by 3 compatriots rescued

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines – Police rescued a Korean national who was kidnapped by three compatriots in San Narciso, Zambales last Sunday.

Chief Superintendent Nilo de la Cruz, Region 3 (Central Luzon) police director, told reporters yesterday that the timely arrival of policemen in Barangay Simmibulan prevented the suspects from killing victim Kim Tae Hyun, 26, a resident of Makati City.

De la Cruz identified the three arrested suspects as Myong Kyu Park, 46; Jung Pong Gun, 28; and Pae Ik Bok, 45, who reside in Makati, too.

He said Kim was kidnapped shortly after he came out of a casino at the Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo City and was brought to Barangay Simminbulan, San Narciso on board a Ford Escape van driven by one Wilson Roque.

De la Cruz said the suspects then took turns in beating up Kim, prompting concerned residents to inform the San Narciso police about it.

Police said Kim supposedly got the ire of the suspects after he failed to pay his debt after losing in a card game at the casino.

Pae was said to be holding an ax while Kim was digging his would-be grave with a shovel when police accosted him.

Myong and Jung were cornered while escaping on board the Ford Escape driven by Roque.

De La Cruz said police have filed charges of kidnapping and frustrated murder against the three suspects with the provincial prosecutor’s office.