PACER nabs 3 suspects in kidnap of Tsinoy businessman

MANILA, Philippines – Three men were arrested by agents of the Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response unit of the Philippine National Police in Davao City last Thursday for their alleged participation in the kidnapping of a Filipino-Chinese businessman last May 23.

PACER chief, Senior Superintendent Isagani Nerez identified those arrested as Roberto Bonghanoy, 47, a resident of Blessed Homes, Barangay Bunawan; Rodrigo Libres, 49, of Purok 1, Barangay Tibungco; and Rodolfo Pinuela Sr., 67, of Purok 5-A, Sto. Niño, Barangay Tibungco.

According to the PACER, Bonghanoy, Libres, and Pinuela, together with Ulysis Suico and Agapito Bonghanoy, were allegedly behind the kidnapping of Jonathan Bacus Wee Eng, of Sto. Domingo Street in Doña Pilar Subdivision, Barangay Sasa, Davao City in Bunawan.

In his report to Camp Crame, Nerez said the suspects were arrested following the discovery of the victim’s Mitsubishi Strada pick-up truck at Pinuela’s house.

During investigation, the arrested suspects told police that they had buried the victim at a farm in Barangay Piatos, Bunawan, Davao City.

On Friday, Eng’s body was exhumed by police from a knee-deep pit at about 2 a.m.

Police said Eng’s body bore several stab wounds.

Reports said police also recovered from the suspects a “samurai” sword, believed to have been used in killing the victim.

PACER is now readying kidnapping charges against the three arrested suspects as a hunt for the remaining suspects Suico and Bonghanoy has been launched. – Mike Frialde