The Philippine National Police (PNP) hailed the conviction of seven individuals involved in the kidnapping of a 78-year-old businesswoman, describing the verdict as proof of effective police operations and case buildup.

PNP chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the conviction came just nine months after the trial began, making it the first high-profile kidnap-for-ransom case solved under his leadership.

The victim, whose family owns a large-scale manufacturing business, was abducted by armed men along C3 Road in Quezon City on 2 September 2025. The kidnappers later demanded a ₱150 million ransom.

The family sought police assistance, prompting an investigation led by the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG). Through surveillance, backtracking, and intelligence operations, authorities tracked the suspects to a hideout in Batangas.

Police rescued the victim after the kidnappers brought her to a bank in Quezon City to withdraw ₱8 million. Three suspects were arrested during the rescue, while eight more, including former military personnel, were captured in follow-up operations.

"This case is proof not only of good planning and conduct of operations but also efficient case buildup. In just nine months, we secured the conviction of seven kidnappers, including the mastermind and former military men," Nartatez said.

A Quezon City court on 30 June sentenced seven of the accused to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole. Four other defendants, who allegedly served as aides and caretakers, were acquitted after the prosecution failed to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Nartatez commended the AKG for pursuing the case and vowed to sustain anti-kidnapping operations in line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

He also thanked the Department of Justice for its assistance in securing the convictions.

"The strong coordination between the PNP and the DOJ in running after criminal elements in this case is concrete evidence of what we can achieve in maintaining peace and order through the certainty of conviction of those who break the law," he said.