The foreign nationals arrested last week on Monday denied involvement in the kidnapping for ransom operations preying on high-roller foreign casino players in the country.
The fourteen of the 44 arrested Chinese nationals showed up before the preliminary investigation at the Department of Justice and denied the charges of kidnapping.
They filed counter-affidavits seeking dismissal of the complaint filed by the Bureau of Immigration and Philippine National Police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group for lack of probable cause.
The respondents, led by Chinese national Zhang Fuxing, who is believed to be the leader of the group, belied the allegation that they kidnapped Singaporean victim Wu Yan from one of the casinos in Pasay City.
They also 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, the lawyer of Yan sought time for filing of a reply. Investigating Asst. State Prosecutor Phillip dela Cruz gave their camp until next Monday, July 31, to answer the defense submitted by the respondents before the case is submitted for resolution.
It can be recalled that the other 30 arrested foreigners have underwent inquest proceedings a day after they were arrested last July 18. They have 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.
However, 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.