MANILA – Five men have been found guilty of kidnapping for ransom with homicide in connection with the abduction and killing of businessman Jose Saribong 13 years ago, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

In a 39-page ruling promulgated on April 16, the Antipolo Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted Mark Stanly Banghulot, Romeo Baluran, Rudy Benega, Teody Maghuyop, and Adam Paulin, sentencing them to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole.

According to the DOJ, Banghulot had business ties with Saribong, a former official of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The victim was later found dead even after his family paid PHP800,000 to his captors, who had initially demanded PHP40 million in ransom.

During the abduction, Saribong’s driver, Jimmy Palermo, was also shot and killed. The incident took place at Golden Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Mayamot, near the victim’s residence.

The court also directed the convicted individuals to pay PHP100,000 in civil indemnity to Saribong’s heirs, along with PHP890,000 in actual damages.

The prosecution was led by Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas.

“This conviction serves as a stern warning to criminal elements who believe they can outrun the law,” Torrevillas said.

She added that the DOJ remains committed to enforcing the law and “ensure that no offender regardless of how long they remain at large or how complex their crimes, is beyond the reach of justice.”