Bobby Ongpin sued for serious illegal detention

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Bobby Ongpin sued for serious illegal detention
Eduveges Batalan alleges that he was illegally detained by Bobby Ongpin at the exclusive Balesin Island Resort

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATED) The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed on Thursday, May 22, a serious illegal detention complaint against controversial businessman Roberto “Bobby” Ongpin.

The bureau filed the criminal complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) at around 11am, Prosecutor General Claro Arellano said in a phone interview.

Ongpin, along with 11 others, allegedly detained and psychologically tortured Eduveges Batalan. Batalan worked for PhilWeb Corporation, whose board of directors is chaired by Ongpin. 

A former ally of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Ongpin was hailed by Forbes in 2013 as the country’s 11th richest man.

In the complaint filed before the DOJ, Batalan said Ongpin accused him of stealing millions from the company and thereafter detained him – in an island resort.

“Batalan was informed by Ongpin that the former has been under surveillance for 3 months and should explain why he has a good house, cars, and a pharmacy business,” the complaint read.

In an Inquirer.net report, Ongpin’s lawyer Rodolfo Ma. Ponferrada denied the allegations against his client and brandished them as “contrived accusations of a disgruntled employee.”

Detention, psychological torture

Batalan was allegedly brought to the Balesin Island Resort in the province of Quezon on February 4, where he was allegedly detained and forced to sign pre-written affidavits.  

The P4-billion exclusive island resort is among the properties of upscale property firm Alphaland Corporation, whose board of directors is also chaired by Ongpin.

Batalan claimed that “he was threatened to be stuck in the island unless he tells everything” about his alleged siphoning off of company funds.

Sued along with Ongpin are: a lawyer and employees from the Alphaland Executive Office, a lawyer from PhilWeb Corporation, and security personnel from Alpha Force Security Agency.

PhilWeb Corporation is a gaming technology provider catering to online cafes, sports betting kiosks and mobile games in the Asia Pacific region. Among its subsidiaries is BigGame Inc, which owns and operates 15 casinos. 

Alphaland’s portfolio includes a range of high-end developments, including the 3-Tower Alphaland Makati Place, the members-only Balesin Island Club in Quezon province, the P2-billion Alphaland Marina Club, and the P10-billion, 500-hectare Boracay Gateway.

Ongpin is also embroiled in another legal battle with former business partner Ashmore. (READ: Ongpin vs Ashmore: The real deal) – Rappler.com

 

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