By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – Six were convicted for the 2014 kidnapping and killing of Korean student Lee Ji Won, the Department of Justice-National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) announced Monday.
In a 21-page decision of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 47 promulgated on Feb. 18, Judge Benedict Medina found Ronel Mongado, Rowel Mongado, Alex Buenaobra, Jimmy Manlapaz, and Sergio Natad guilty beyond reasonable doubt of kidnapping for ransom with homicide.
They were sentenced to up to 40 years in prison without eligibility for parole. The court also ordered them to pay Lee’s heirs PHP100,000 in civil indemnity, PHP100,000 in moral damages, and PHP100,000 in exemplary damages.
An accessory, Jullie-Ann Traboco, was likewise found guilty and sentenced to five to eight years in prison. She will compensate the victim’s heirs PHP12,500 each for civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages.
The court, meanwhile, noted the absence of any supporting documents regarding the reported death of accused Rene Natad during an encounter, while the whereabouts of accused alias “Paks” remained unknown.
Consequently, an alias warrant of arrest will be issued against them and the case archived until their voluntary surrender or apprehension.
Lee was abducted on March 3, 2014. The initial ransom demand of PHP10 million was reduced to PHP3 million. However, she was killed during her detention.
Her brother served as witness after he identified the plate number of the taxi cab Lee hailed in front of their condominium residence.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla lauded Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas and Assistant State Prosecutor Gino Angelo Yanga for their perseverance in securing the conviction of all the accused.
“This conviction is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our prosecutors and the formidable partnership with our law enforcement agencies to pursuing justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable.” (PNA)
