Manila: Six individuals were convicted for the 2014 kidnapping and killing of Korean student Lee Ji Won, as announced by the Department of Justice-National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 47, through a 21-page decision promulgated on February 18, 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 mandated them to pay Lee's heirs PHP100,000 each in civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages.
An accessory, Jullie-Ann Traboco, was also found guilty and received a sentence of five to eight years in prison. She is required to compensate the victim's heirs PHP12,500 each for civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages.
The court observed the absence of supporting documents regarding the reported death of accused Rene Natad during an encounter, while the whereabouts of another accused, known as 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 Ji Won was abducted on March 3, 2014. Initially, the ransom demand was PHP10 million but was later reduced to PHP3 million. Despite the ransom negotiations, Lee was killed during her detention. Her brother played a crucial role as a witness after identifying the plate number of the taxi cab Lee had hailed in front of their condominium residence.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla commended Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas and Assistant State Prosecutor Gino Angelo Yanga for their dedication in securing the conviction of all the accused. He remarked, "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."
