The Department of Justice (DOJ), through its National Prosecution Service (NPS), secured the conviction of five individuals involved in the kidnapping-for-ransom of two minors along EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City, on 05 July 2013.

In the 21-page decision dated 08 April 2025, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (Branch 94), presided over by Judge Roslyn M. Rabara-Tria, found the evidence presented by the DOJ sufficient to convict three accused as principals and two others as accomplices.

The prosecution was handled by Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia I. Laroza-Torrevillas and Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Gino Angelo P. Yanga.

“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 C. Remulla.

Based on the records, the victims—aged 10 and 15 at the time—were abducted by armed men while onboard a vehicle driven along EDSA. A nationwide alarm filed by their mother helped authorities track down the vehicle in a related carnapping case, which led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the victims. No ransom was paid.

John Mark Tamalla, Jomel Tamalla, and Bernard Pating were found guilty of kidnapping for ransom and sentenced to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole. Ma. Theresa Licay and Ma. Andrea Branzuela were convicted as accomplices and sentenced to 10 years and 1 day of prision mayor to 17 years and 4 months of reclusion temporal. They were also ordered to jointly and severally pay the victims ₱100,000 each in civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages.

The case against Resty Branzuela was dismissed due to his death during trial. Two other accused—Rogel Domingo, Jr. and Ephraim John Evangelista—remain at large.

“This outcome reinforces the importance of thorough investigation and sustained case build up. The system is working, and accountability is what we strive for,” Secretary Remulla added.