2 convicted of kidnapping Filipino-Chinese businessman

MANILA, Philippines - Two men were convicted of kidnapping a Filipino-Chinese businessman in 2008, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said yesterday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Rayan Domla and Christopher Nanson were given prison terms for the kidnapping of Ka Kuen Chua in Quezon City.

Judge Henri Jean-Paul Inting of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 95 also ordered Domla and Nanson to indemnify Chua P350,000 representing actual and moral damages, she added.

The case against co-accused Christopher Olaguera, who has remained at large, was archived. It would be revived upon his arrest.

De Lima lauded State Prosecutors Sebastian Caponong and Arlie Ramos for the successful prosecution of the case.

Court records show the kidnapping took place on Sept. 19, 2008 outside Chua’s house in Tandang Sora Street., Quezon City.

Chua told the court that he was able to see the faces of his kidnappers, whom he identified as Domla and Nanson, on the way to their safehouse.

During his 17 days in captivity, the kidnappers communicated with Chua’s family and demanded P70 million for his freedom.

The sum of P300,000 was deposited in Chua’s ATM and the kidnappers later withdrew the amount.

However, the court said the prosecution failed to prove that the kidnappers had received the P1.08-million ransom allegedly left at a place the kidnappers had designated.

The whereabouts of Chua was traced after residents near the kidnappers’ hideout informed the police of unusual and suspicious movements in the house.

Police later confirmed that Chua was in the house, blindfolded and with his hands and feet tied.

Authorities raided the house and arrested Domla and Nanson.