Kidnap victim Tiu still hopeful of getting justice

Kidnap victim Jackie Tiu remains hopeful that her abductors will face justice despite the imminent delay in their drawn-out trial following an order of the Supreme Court to transfer her case from San Fernando, La Union to Manila regional trial court.

Tiu also conceded that there would be a delay in the government’s effort to hunt down Chinese national and kidnap suspect Zhang Du, who was deported in May even though he and six other Chinese nationals were on trial and had a hold-departure order on them.

It was believed that he escaped using false travel papers and with help from corrupt Bureau of Immigration personnel.

The National Bureau of Investigation is trying to bring Zhang back to face trial. "I want to thank Director Reynaldo Wycoco and the NBI for their efforts to help me get justice," Tiu said.

Last week, the Supreme Court ordered Tiu’s case tried in Manila.

Tiu requested the transfer in April, hoping it would expedite the trial, only to discover that Zhang had escaped justice.

She requested the transfer after San Fernando RTC Branch 27 Judge Antonio Carbonel inhibited himself from the case upon a request of prosecution lawyers from the Department of Justice. The last time the case went to court was in August last year.

The case was then raffled off again, this time to Judge Adolfo Alagar, who quickly inhibited due to prejudgment. Sources said he had attended hearings held by the previous court.

The next magistrate assigned to the case, Judge Robert Cawad, also inhibited himself.

The case was transferred to another court, this time to Judge Rosemarie Alim, who had set the trial on Oct. 24 and 25, but the Supreme Court ordered the trial transferred last Wednesday.

The NBI is seeking help from the International Police to locate and bring back Zhang. The Bureau of Immigration is currently investigating who helped him escape.

Zhang allegedly used forged clearances from the NBI, immigration bureau and the court to leave detention and was escorted to the airport by immigration officers.

A frustrated Tiu sought help from President Arroyo early this month when she discovered Zhang’s escape.