Man arrested for illegal detention of ex-business partner

MANILA, Philippines — A real state agent was arrested in Makati City on Sunday for allegedly holding his former business partner in a condominium unit as he tried to empty the victim’s bank account.

Randy Inego Domingo, 36, was arrested in an entrapment operation at The Milano Residences condominium in Barangay Poblacion.

Domingo and Briton Gareth Morgan Roberts, 42, met at the condominium, where Roberts was supposed to rent a unit being offered by the suspect, at around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Chief Inspector Gideon Ines, assistant city police chief for operation, told The STAR yesterday. 

Upon entering the unit, Domingo allegedly drew a knife and a gun and threatened to kill Roberts if he did not cooperate.

Domingo dragged his former business partner into the bathroom, demanded P10 million from the victim, stole his iPhone, took his bank account details and the key to the hotel room where the victim is billeted.

The suspect then hogtied and gagged Roberts with duct tape.

At around 9 a.m. the next day, Domingo asked Jose Tabor Jr. to guard Roberts while he went to the victim’s hotel room.

Tabor freed Roberts and proceeded to the British embassy, then to the Makati police.

Investigators found that Domingo tried but failed to transfer around P678,000 from Roberts’ bank account. 

Domingo would be charged with kidnapping, serious illegal detention, robbery with violence against or intimidation of a person and violation of the access devices regulation law.

He would also be slapped with charges of possession of bladed weapon and illegal possession of firearm in relation to the election gun ban.