9 workers charged with murder for Valenzuela trader's 'hammer slay'

MANILA, Philippines - Police filed a murder case Friday afternoon against the nine factory workers tagged in the killing last week of a Chinese businessman in Valenzuela City.

Chief Inspector Danilo Bugay, Valenzuela City police intelligence and investigation chief, said charged before the office of city fiscal Benedict Sta. Cruz were Edgardo Sabandal Jr., Wilson Dait, Joel Sabandal, Jerry Sabandal Jr., Ryan Fernandez, Nelson Sabandal, Isagani Sobretudo, Michael Andres and Reagan Arboneda.

All the suspects were arrested in follow-up operations in Davao City and Southern Leyte except for Arboneda.

The suspects, all stay-in workers of Cosang Plastic Manufacturing at 9 Sigma street, Don Pablo Subdivision in Barangay Rincon were accused in the killing of factory owner and manager Jeffrey Ong.

Ong, 31, whose Chinese name is Wang Wen Xing, was found dead on June 11 at his factory with his head hammered and his throat slashed. The hammer used in the crime was found near Ong’s body when the murder was discovered.

Edgardo Sabandal Jr. admitted killing the victim after he and co-worker Arboneda robbed him of some cash on June 9 because they wanted to buy food and to go home to their respective provinces.

Sabandal said the plastic factory ceased operations since June 1 and Ong told them to vacate the firm’s premises. Ong also turned down their request for fare assistance, he said. He earlier admitted committing the crime due to hunger.

Despite Sabandal’s admission that it was only he and Arboneda who committed the crime, SPO3 Jesus Sagisi, Valenzuela City police senior investigator, said investigation showed there was “conspiracy” in committing the crime.

Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian has commended the police for the early resolution of the case.