MANILA — Cedric Lee, a businessman convicted for serious illegal detention, was transferred to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) on Friday (03 May 2024) evening by operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
From Quezon City, they brought him to the NBP in Muntinlupa around 9 p.m.
Lee, along with Deniece Cornejo and two others, was found guilty by a Taguig court of serious illegal detention for ransom, a case filed against them by actor-TV host Vhong Navarro.
He surrendered to the NBI on Thursday evening, following the court’s decision to sentence them to reclusion perpetua, which could mean up to 40 years of imprisonment.
Earlier, Simeon Raz was also transferred to the NBP, while Cornejo was taken to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.
Upon arrival at the NBP, Lee was taken to the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC) for formal transfer procedures by the NBI. Throughout the processing of his documents, Lee remained silent. The NBI doctor who previously examined him had informed NBP personnel about his earlier high blood pressure.
Despite his conviction, Lee expressed confidence in the outcome of an appeal they planned to file, reiterating that no illegal detention occurred. He claimed that any altercation between them and Navarro was a result of alleged rape committed by Navarro, asserting that a life imprisonment sentence was unwarranted.
In 2014, Lee and his group were accused of holding Navarro captive and inflicting serious physical injuries on him.
The Regional Trial Court found it suspicious that the accused, along with a police officer, were gathered in one place shortly before Navarro met with Cornejo.
The court highlighted inconsistencies in their testimonies, especially after reviewing CCTV footage from Ritz Towers. Additionally, the court deemed the alleged rape of Cornejo as part of the overall scheme.
In March 2023, the Supreme Court dismissed the rape and acts of lasciviousness charges against Navarro due to insufficient evidence.
(el Amigo/MNM)