By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said prosecutors have secured the conviction of five individuals involved in the kidnapping-for-ransom of two minors in Quezon City 12 years ago.
In a 21-page decision dated April 8 and made public Monday, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 94 found the evidence presented by the DOJ sufficient to convict the three principals and two accomplices.
The victims, aged 10 and 15 at the time, were abducted by armed suspects while onboard a vehicle cruising along EDSA.
A nationwide alarm filed by their mother helped authorities track down the vehicle, leading to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the victims. No ransom was paid.
John Mark Tamalla, Jomel Tamalla and Bernard Pating were found guilty of kidnapping for ransom and sentenced to 40 years in prison without eligibility for parole.
Meanwhile, Ma. Theresa Licay and Ma. Andrea Branzuela were convicted as accomplices and sentenced to up to 17 years imprisonment
They were also ordered to jointly and severally pay the victims PHP100,000 each in civil indemnity, moral damages and exemplary damages.
The case against Resty Branzuela was dismissed as he had already died.
Two other accused, Rogel Domingo, Jr. and Ephraim John Evangelista, remain at large.
“This conviction shows that the DOJ prosecution service continues to function effectively, even in complex cases. Our prosecutors remain focused on building strong cases and holding perpetrators accountable,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a news release. “This outcome reinforces the importance of thorough investigation and sustained case buildup. The system is working and accountability is what we strive for.” (PNA)
