MANILA – The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 13 of Lipa City has convicted two men of kidnapping for ransom and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole.

In a decision released by the court, Francisco Quiamco y Batiquin and Rammel Relos y Eslao were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the abduction of a victim in Batangas in 2015.

The case stemmed from an entrapment operation conducted by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation – National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) in Mangatarem, Pangasinan on July 30, 2015, which led to the rescue of the victim and arrest of the suspects.

The victim was abducted on July 24, 2015, after leaving a supermarket in Lipa City, Batangas. The kidnappers demanded Php 30 million from the victim’s family in exchange for release. Relatives filed a complaint with authorities, prompting the NBI to launch surveillance and monitor communications with the abductors.

Through surveillance, NBI agents traced the victim and the suspects to Mangatarem. On July 30, operatives spotted the suspects’ Toyota Previa near a pharmacy where the victim was expected to buy medicine. Agents moved in when one of the suspects left the vehicle, rescuing the victim and arresting the two men on the spot.

NBI Director Santiago lauded the operatives for their work in solving the case. He commended the NBI-NCR agents for their “tireless and unwavering dedication,” noting their investigative skills were crucial in locating the victim and bringing the perpetrators to justice.