The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Monday that five individuals have been charged in connection with the kidnapping for ransom and homicide of Korean national Ji Won Lee in March 2014.
The victim was forcibly abducted by the accused, using threats and intimidation, and was held captive with the intent of extorting ransom from her family before being killed.
“This conviction is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our prosecutors and the strong partnership with our law enforcement agencies in pursuing justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
In a 21-page decision by the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 24, promulgated on February 18, 2025, Judge Benedict Medina found all the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The convicted individuals—Ronel Mongado y Seda, also known as “Butiki,” Rowel Mongado y Seda, also known as “Tata,” Alex Buenaobra, alias “Allan Fallion” or “Pogi,” Jimmy Manlapaz y Gabatin, and Sergio Natad y Balog, also known as “Daising”—were each sentenced to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole.
They were also ordered to pay Ji Won Lee’s heirs P100,000 in civil indemnity, P100,000 in moral damages, and P100,000 in exemplary damages.
Meanwhile, Jullie-Ann Traboco y Tongga was found guilty as an accessory to the crime and sentenced to an indeterminate prison term, ranging from a minimum of five years, ten months, and one day of prision correccional to a maximum of eight years, eleven months, and one day of prision mayor.
She was also ordered to pay the victim’s heirs P12,500 each for civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages.
The court also noted that there were no supporting documents regarding the reported death of accused Rene Natad during an encounter, and the whereabouts of another accused, alias “Paks,” remain unknown.
An alias warrant of arrest will be issued for them, and the case will be archived until they voluntarily surrender or are apprehended.