Verdict delayed in kidnap of Gokongwei’s son-in-law

TANAUAN CITY, Batangas – The verdict on three accused in the 1997 abduction of a son-in-law of business tycoon John Gokongwei was supposed to be out yesterday.

But Judge Voltaire Rosales, of the Regional Trial Court Branch 83 here, announced yesterday that he was postponing the promulgation to Nov. 22, saying he was still awaiting a memorandum from one of the defense attorneys.

Rosales’ clerk of court, lawyer Librado Chavez, made the announcement on the judge’s behalf.

Lawyer Frederick Young, who represents the family of victim Ignacio Earl Ong Jr., husband of Faith Gokongwei, one of Gokongwei’s six children, was disappointed about the delay. Ong died in a shootout between the police and the kidnappers.

"It was a dilatory tactic (on the part of the defense) and it’s not really substantial," he said.

"I’m not sure what reason the judge has, but I’m sure it must be good ground. I think the judge wanted (the case) properly reviewed to make sure that the decision will be on good grounds," he added.

Defense lawyer Rolando Javier, however, said he has already submitted the memorandum that the judge was asking.

"I think the judge wanted an additional information aside from what I submitted," he said.

Ong was snatched at gunpoint in a project site of ILO Construction Co., which he owned, in Barangay Darasa this city on Dec. 2, 1997.

Ong’s kidnappers were about to bring him to Barangay Kaylaway in Nasugbu town aboard his own Pajero when police intercepted them at a checkpoint in Lipa City.

A shootout ensued, resulting in the death of Ong and four of the kidnappers.

Facing sentencing are accused Sergio Pancho Jr., Millano Muit and Rolando Dequillo, all residents of Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City.

Members of Ong’s family were absent in yesterday’s scheduled promulgation.

Asked about this, Young said, "They asked me to come in their behalf. Probably, (they) are still emotional and they don’t want to express (their emotions) in public."

Young said Ong’s family hopes that justice would be rendered. "It has been five years since (his) death, I think it’s about time that this case be finally resolved," he said.