THE Department of Justice-National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) on Monday announced the conviction of five individuals involved in the kidnapping-for-ransom of two minors along EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City in 2013.
In a 21-page decision dated April 8, 2025, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 94 presided by Judge Roslyn Rabara-Tria ruled that the evidence presented by the DOJ was sufficient to convict three accused as principals and two others as accomplices.
“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,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
“This outcome reinforces the importance of thorough investigation and sustained case build up,” he added.
According to him, the system was working and accountability is what the DOJ endeavors.
The prosecution was handled by deputy state prosecutor Olivia Laroza-Torrevillas and senior assistant state prosecutor Gino Angelo Yanga.
The respondents, John Mark Tamalla, Jomel Tamalla, and Bernard Pating were found guilty of kidnapping for ransom and were given life sentence without eligibility for parole.
Ma. Theresa Licay and Ma. Andrea Branzuela were convicted as accomplices and sentenced to 10 years to 17 years imprisonment. They were also ordered to pay the victims ₱100,000 each in civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages.
A sixth respondent, Resty Branzuela died pending resolution of the case.
Two other accused, Rogel Domingo, Jr. and Ephraim John Evangelista, remained at large.