Two Suspects Found Guilty of Kidnapping for Ransom
Authorities confirmed that two suspects arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) a decade ago have been convicted of kidnapping for ransom. The Lipa City Regional Trial Court Branch 13 handed down the verdict, sentencing Francisco Batiquin and Rammel Eslao to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole.
Details of the Kidnapping Incident
The case involves the abduction of a 59-year-old businessman on July 24, 2015, in Batangas City. The suspects demanded a ransom of P30 million from the victim’s family. Officials reported that the victim was rescued during an NBI operation in Mangatarem, Pangasinan, on July 30, 2015.
Investigation and Arrest
Authorities tracked the kidnappers through closed-circuit television footage and cellphone locators. The suspects maintained constant communication with the victim’s family, using various locations to make ransom calls. They switched vehicles multiple times to evade capture, moving between Quezon City, Pangasinan, Samar, and Batangas.
Community members said that the suspects were arrested after agents followed them to a pharmacy. The victim, who has diabetes, was expected to purchase medicine there, which led to their capture.
Organized Crime Syndicate Involvement
Back in 2015, the then-NBI Director described the kidnappers as part of a well-funded and highly organized syndicate. The victim’s family received threats of death if the ransom was not paid, increasing the urgency of the rescue operation.
Victim’s Ordeal During Captivity
During the six-day captivity, the victim was forced to scream in pain as proof of life to his wife. He was fed only once and remained handcuffed throughout the ordeal, officials reported. These harsh conditions highlighted the cruelty of the kidnappers.
For more news and updates on kidnapping for ransom, visit Filipinokami.com.
