Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the conviction of five individuals involved in the kidnapping-for-ransom of two minors in Quezon City, a crime that took place 12 years ago.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 94 delivered a 21-page decision on April 8, which was made public on Monday. The court found the evidence presented by DOJ prosecutors sufficient to convict three principals and two accomplices. The victims, who were 10 and 15 years old at the time, were kidnapped by armed suspects while traveling along EDSA. A nationwide alert filed by their mother enabled authorities to track down the vehicle, leading to the suspects' arrest and the safe recovery of the victims. No ransom was paid.

John Mark Tamalla, Jomel Tamalla, and Bernard Pating were found guilty of kidnapping for ransom and received a sentence of 40 years in prison without the possibility of parole. Ma. Theresa Licay and Ma. Andrea Branzuela were convicted as accomplices and sentenced to up to 17 years of 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 due to his death. Meanwhile, Rogel Domingo, Jr. and Ephraim John Evangelista remain at large.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated in a news release, "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. This outcome reinforces the importance of thorough investigation and sustained case buildup. The system is working and accountability is what we strive for."