The 14 foreign nationals arrested by joint operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) sought the dismissal of the kidnapping complaint filed against them.
The foreigners were accused of being part of a kidnapping for ransom syndicate preying on high-roller foreign casino players in the country.
During Monday’s preliminary investigation, the suspects have submitted their counter-affidavit denying the allegations made by the BI and the police.
The suspects sought the dismissal of the complaint for lack of probable cause.
The respondents led by Chinese national Zhang Fuxing, who is believed to be the leader of the group, belied the allegation that they kidnapped Singaporean victim Wu Yan from the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City.
They denied bringing the victim to the nearby Bayview International Towers where she was allegedly beaten up and threatened by the kidnappers who also demanded $180,000 for her release.
During the hearing, the lawyer of Yan sought time to file a reply. Investigating Asst. State Prosecutor Phillip Deal Cruz gave them until July 31 to submit a reply.
The 14 foreign nationals were among the 44 arrested by the BI and the police. The other 30 underwent inquest proceedings and opted not to undergo a preliminary investigation. They have also denied the same charges.
The Bureau of Immigration has already started deportation proceedings against the 44 arrested foreigners for being undesirable aliens and for violating the conditions of their stay as tourists.
But under the law, the arrested foreigners would be deported only after the criminal proceedings against them are completed and after they have served the sentences if found guilty by court.