Several suspects were arrested by the Mabalacat City Police and the Pampanga Provincial Intelligence Unit in connection with the kidnapping of a Korean national in Barangay Mabiga, Mabalacat, Pampanga.

The operation followed a hot pursuit on Friday, October 25, 2024, a day after the incident.

The victim, a 57-year-old resident of Angeles City, was abducted allegedly during a transaction involving a car with the suspects.

"May isang certain Korean national na nag-report sa Mabalacat Police Station na allegedly may bibilhin siyang sasakyan," Pampanga Police Director PCol. Jay Dimaandal said.

"And then nung nakita na niya yung sasakyan... kinuha siya ng dalawang lalaki at dalawang babae, at sapilitang sinakay sa sasakyan," Dimaandal added.

The suspects reportedly sent a photo of the victim bound and blindfolded to his brother, demanding a P100,000 ransom.

"Nagdi-demand na nga ng ransom... kapag hindi daw siya nagbigay ng P100,000 ay papatayin nila," Dimaandal said.

Police backtracking and follow-up operations led to the arrest of four suspects, while others remain at large.

Authorities said the suspects are also linked to other crimes in the region, including robbery, car theft, and the kidnapping of other Korean nationals.