In the early morning of May 2, 2025, three foreign tourists were kidnapped in Nasubu Town, Batangas Province, Philippines.
According to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the victims included one South Korean citizen and two Chinese citizens. They were traveling by car with two Filipino companions to a famous local fishing spot when approximately 7 to 10 armed individuals intercepted their vehicle and carried out the kidnapping.
The case took a turn when the kidnappers released one of the Filipino hostages—believed to be the driver of the victims. This released individual immediately reported to the police, providing crucial clues for the subsequent rescue operation. Following the report from the embassy in the Philippines, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly activated its emergency mechanism, with the Director of the Consular Security Bureau, Yoon Joo-suk, presiding over an interdepartmental coordination meeting. The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines also followed up throughout, maintaining close communication with the Philippine side.
After three days of meticulous investigation, the Philippine police successfully carried out a rescue operation on an island location on May 5, safely rescuing the three foreign hostages and another Filipino hostage. All were found to be in good health. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the stable health condition of the rescued citizen but declined to disclose more personal information citing privacy reasons.
It is noteworthy that despite the safe rescue of the hostages, the Philippine police and local media have not yet made any official statements about the details of the case. This unusual silence has led to much speculation, with some analysts suggesting that the identities of those involved are special, and there may be connections with law enforcement agencies.
The embassies of China and South Korea have jointly issued safety reminders, advising citizens in the Philippines to avoid remote areas, travel in groups, and maintain open communication with their embassies and consulates. The motive and identities of the kidnappers are still under investigation, with no further information disclosed by the police.
