NBI arrests alleged drug middleman Kenneth Dong for rape case

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday served an arrest warrant on businessman Kenneth Dong, implicated in the P6.4-billion shabu shipment seized by the Bureau of Customs, but for a separate rape case.

The apprehension was made after he attended the Senate Blue Ribbon’s inquiry into the anomalous shabu shipment.

Dong is allegedly a middleman of Richard Tan, who owns the warehouse in Valenzuela City where the shabu shipment was found.

The alleged middleman stands accused of raping a 33-year-old woman in his property in Parañaque in April 2015. He has reportedly filed a counter-affidavit to deny the rape allegations.

Reports also said Dong is a high-profile businessman who is friends with celebrities and politicians. He reportedly contributed to the senatorial campaigns of Sen. Risa Hontiveros for the 2013 and 2016 elections as well as of Sen. Joel Villanueva.

He has also had a photo taken with Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte.

At the Senate hearing on Tuesday, Dong admitted he met Vice Mayor Duterte in 2008.

Drug trafficking raps filed vs Dong, 9 others 

Dong's arrest came after he and nine others were named respondents in a drug trafficking complaint filed by the NBI’s Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division.

The following were recommended for prosecution:

• Chen Min (Taiwanese)- Good Life Hotel, No. 518 Tomas Mapua St., Sta. Cruz, Manila;

• Jhu Ming Jyun (Taiwanese) -Good Life Hotel, No. 518 Tomas Mapua St., Sta. Cruz, Manila;

• Fidel Anoche Dee (Filipino) -3050 F. Bautista St., Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City, currently detained at Valenzuela City Hall;

• Chen Ju Long also known as "Richard Tan" or "Richard Chen" (Chinese) - Manager of Philippine Hongfei Logistic Group of Companies , Inc. and with business address at Philippine Hongfei Logistics Group of Companies, Inc. No. 5510 Aster St. De Castro Subdivision, Paso de Blas, Valenzuela City;

• Li Guang Feng also known as "Manny Li" (Chinese) - No. 1027 (O7A) Benavidez St., Binondo, Manila;

• Dong Yi Shen also known as "Kenneth Dong" (Filipino) - No. 47 Gardentown Homes Humility St. Multinational Village, Moonwalk, Parañaque City;

• Mark Ruben Taguba II (Filipino) - Golden Strike Logistics, No. 1763 LE Unit 15, Paz Guanzon St. Paco, Manila;

• Teejay Marcellana (Filipino) - Customs broker with business address at Room 524 5th Floor, FEMIII Building, Soriano Avenue, Barangay 656 Intramuros; and

• Eirene May Tatad (Filipino) EMT Trading, Room 807 Dasma Corporate Building. No. 32 Dasmariñas St. Binondo

The nine individuals were accused of the importation of dangerous drugs, which is penalized under Section 4 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Fend, Dong and Taguba were also charged for the Unauthorized Practice of Customs Broker Profession under Sec. 28 of RA 9280, or the Customs Broker Act of 2004.

Dong is now in NBI custody.