Chinese deny kidnapping high-rollers

MANILA, Philippines - Fourteen of 44 foreigners arrested last week yesterday denied kidnapping high-rollers in casinos in the country.

In a preliminary investigation hearing, the 14 Chinese nationals appeared before the Department of Justice (DOJ) and denied the charges of kidnapping.

They filed their counter-affidavit, seeking the dismissal of the complaint filed by the Bureau of Immigration and Philippine National Police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) for lack of probable cause.

The respondents – led by Zhang Fuxing, believed to be the leader of the group – belied the allegation that they kidnapped Singaporean woman Wu Yan from the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City.

They denied bringing the victim to the nearby Bayview International Towers, where she was allegedly beaten up and threatened by the kidnappers who demanded $180,000 for her release.

During the hearing, Yan’s lawyer sought time for filing a reply. Investigating Assistant State Prosecutor Phillip Deal Cruz gave their camp until July 31 to answer the defense submitted by the respondents before the case is submitted for resolution.

The other 30 arrested foreigners underwent inquest proceedings a day after they were arrested last July 18. They also denied the same charges.

The Bureau of Immigration has already started deportation proceedings against the 44 arrested foreigners for being undesirable aliens and for violating the conditions of their stay as tourists. 

But under the law, the arrested foreigners would be deported only after the criminal proceedings against them are completed and after they have served the sentences if found guilty by court.