MANILA - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has terminated its hearings in connection with the reinvestigation of the kidnap-slay of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo.
During Friday's 6th and last hearing, handling prosecutor Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas received the counter-affidavit of respondent Supt. Allan Macapagal, the last one to submit his defense.
Macapagal faces obstruction of justice charges in connection with a raid conducted by complainant National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at Gream Funeral Parlor, where Jee's golf clubs were reportedly found.
With all pleadings from the camps of respondents and complainants Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP AKG) and NBI in, the DOJ submitted the case for resolution.
The DOJ has until April 19 to complete its reinvestigation upon the order of Angeles City, Pampanga Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 58 Presiding Judge Irineo Pangilinan, Jr.
The respondents, led by SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, were indicted for kidnapping for ransom with homicide before the trial court but Sta. Isabel moved for a reinvestigation, claiming he was denied the right to be heard during the preliminary investigation into the complaint for kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention.
Jee was abducted from his residence in Angeles City on the guise of a legitimate anti-drug operation.
He was reportedly strangled to death by his abductors in Camp Crame, Quezon City on the same day he was abducted, and his remains cremated.
Sta. Isabel and his alleged companions allegedly demanded P5 million in ransom money from Jee's wife even if they already killed the Korean businessman.