S. Korean national released 3 days after being kidnapped in Philippines
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in central Seoul / Korea Times file
A South Korean national was safely released Monday, three days after being kidnapped in the Philippines, according to the foreign ministry.
The kidnapping happened early Friday as the individual was traveling by car with two Chinese and two Philippine nationals to Nasugbu, near Manila, on a fishing trip when a group of seven to 10 armed people took them, the ministry said.
The South Korean was safely taken into custody by the Philippine police Monday morning and is reported to be in good health. The Chinese nationals have also reportedly been released.
Police have been investigating the case after one of the kidnapped individuals was released on a road and reported the kidnapping at a nearby police station. Police have yet to determine the kidnappers' identities or motives.
A ministry official said the South Korean Embassy in the Philippines had worked with local law enforcement for a swift release of the national and provided consular assistance to family members.