Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City β The Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP AKG) welcomed the promulgation of judgment in the kidnapping for ransom case involving a businesswoman, describing it as a significant victory for justice, rule of law, and public safety.
The case stemmed from the kidnapping incident that occurred on September 2, 2025, wherein the victim was forcibly taken by armed suspects. Through the immediate and relentless efforts of the PNP AKG, the case was aggressively pursued, resulting in the successful rescue of the victim on September 11, 2025, and the arrest of all suspects involved in the crime.
Within twenty-four (24) hours from the launch of the hot pursuit and focused, intelligence-driven operations, AKG operatives successfully tracked and arrested a total of eleven (11) individuals linked to the kidnapping incident. This operation likewise led to the dismantling of the criminal network behind the said incident.
The court has rendered its decision on the case and the promulgation of judgement was held on June 30, 2026, at the RTC, Branch 225, Quezon City, by Hon. Maria Luisa Lesle G. Gonzales-Betic, Presiding Judge, wherein 7 accused were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of Kidnapping for Ransom. The convicted were identified as Juvelito Manalili y Genilo, Juan Estefano y Morales, Randy Alvarez y Marquez, Victoriano Bernido, JR. y Lucero, Alan Alegria y Ravelo, Potenciano Alegria y Ravelo, and Jomar Urbina y Corpuz and all were sentenced the penalty of Reclusion Perpetua without eligibility for parole. The court likewise ordered each of the convicted accused to pay the amount of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00) as civil indemnity, One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00) as moral damages, and One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00) as exemplary damages, all with legal interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum from the finality of the decision until fully paid.
The swift resolution of the case in 9 months was made possible through the professionalism, dedication, and coordinated efforts of AKG operating units, investigators, intelligence personnel, and legal officers. These efforts were carried out in close collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, court, Local Government Units, concerned stakeholders, and with the valuable cooperation of the victim herself, her family and all the witnesses.
The strong collaboration and established good relationship among agencies significantly contributed to the immediate exchange of information, rapid operational response, and efficient case build-up and investigation. The PNP AKG also highlighted the importance of its legal and prosecutorial efforts which ensured the timely filing of appropriate criminal charges, proper documentation of evidence, and continuous coordination with the Department of Justice and prosecution panels to secure a strong and airtight case against the accused. From investigation, filing of charges, inquest proceedings, presentation of evidence, up to the promulgation of judgment, AKG remained steadfast in ensuring due process and the effective administration of justice.
PGEN JOSE MELENCIO C NARTATEZ, JR lauded the PNP AKG for aggressively pursuing the case as he vowed to sustain anti-kidnapping operations. He also expressed gratitude to the Department of Justice for the guidance in securing the conviction of the kidnappers.
βThe promulgation of this case reflects the unwavering commitment of the PNP AKG to protect the public and ensure that perpetrators of kidnapping for ransom incidents are brought before the bar of justice. That is why AKG stood by and assisted the victim from the onset of the incident through the entirety of the legal proceedings, culminating in a favorable judgement. This accomplishment demonstrates that through unity, cooperation, and decisive law enforcement action, justice can be swiftly achieved,β said PBGEN EDWIN C BALLES, Acting Director, AKG.
Makakita ng Kaunti