3 charged for kidnap of Manila trader

MANILA, Philippines - Three men accused of kidnapping a Chinese businessman and demanding a P20-million ransom were charged before the Manila Regional Trial Court Thursday.

The National Bureau of Investigation said Michael Yung, 44, owner of a travel agency, was the alleged mastermind of the kidnap gang. His two co-accused were Shun Kuo Shi, 48; and Gong Feipeng, 37, both Chinese nationals.

Manila Assistant City Prosecutor Minerva de Guzman recommended no bail for the three accused.

NBI Director Nestor Mantaring said the two Chinese nationals will be deported after they have served their prison terms following conviction.

Other alleged members of the syndicate, identified as Wilson Ong, Jimmy Go, Siao San Tan, Owa Sy, a certain Atong, and one unidentified man, are all at large and subjects of a massive nationwide manhunt, NBI said.

Court records said the charges stemmed from a complaint filed by businessman Henry Sia, 44, a resident of Dynasty Tower II building on Abad Santos Avenue in Tondo, Manila.

NBI agents rescued Sia from a duck farm in Pampanga last March 5. – Sandy Araneta