The Department of Justice-National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) scored a conviction against all accused in the kidnapping for ransom and homicide of a lady Korean national, Ji Won Lee.

In a 21-page decision of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 24 promulgated on 18 February 2025, Judge Benedict D. Medina found the five accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Ronel Mongado y Seda, also known as “Butiki,” Rowel Mongado y Seda, also known as “Tata,” Alex Buenaobra, alias “Allan Fallion” or “Pogi,” Jimmy Manlapaz y Gabatin, and Sergio Natad y Balog, also known as “Daising,” were each meted the penalty of reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole.

Additionally, they were ordered to pay the heirs of Ji Won Lee P100,000.00 in civil indemnity, P100,000.00 in moral damages, and P100,000.00 in exemplary damages.

Meanwhile, Jullie-Ann Traboco y Tongga was found guilty as an accessory to the crime and sentenced to an indeterminate penalty of five (5) years, ten (10) months, and one (1) day of prision correccional as minimum to eight ( years, eleven (11) months, and one (1) day of prision mayor as maximum.

She was also ordered to pay the victim’s heirs P12,500.00 each for civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages.

The court also noted the absence of any supporting documents regarding the reported death of accused Rene Natad during an encounter, while the whereabouts of accused alias “Paks” remain unknown.

Consequently, an alias warrant of arrest will be issued against them, and the case against them will be archived until their voluntary surrender or apprehension.

The case stemmed from the kidnapping for ransom and eventual killing of Ji Won Lee. The crime began on 03 March 2014, when the victim was forcibly abducted by all of the accused against her will, using threats and intimidation. She was held captive for the purpose of extorting ransom from her family. In fact, a ransom demand was made to her brother, Guk Hyun Lee, as a condition for her release—initially in the amount of P10,000,000.00, which was later reduced to P3,000,000.00. A total of P17,000.00 was eventually delivered and paid to the accused. Tragically, during her detention, Ji Won Lee was killed.

Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla lauded Deputy State Prosecutor (DSP) Olivia L. Torrevillas and Assistant State Prosecutor (ASP) Gino Angelo P. Yanga for their perseverance in securing the conviction of all the accused. “This conviction is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our prosecutors and the formidable partnership with our law enforcement agencies to pursuing justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable.”

To recall, the kidnap-slay took place in March 2014, roughly eleven years ago.