7 sentenced to reclusion perpetua for kidnapping a 78-year-old woman

A Quezon City (QC) court has convicted seven individuals over the kidnapping of a 78-year-old woman in September 2025 in the city, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday.

According to the DOJ, the QC Regional Trial Court Branch 225 found the seven individuals guilty as principals for kidnapping for ransom and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua, or up to 40 years of imprisonment, without eligibility for parole.

They were also each ordered to pay the private complainant for civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages.

Meanwhile, four were acquitted after the court found that their guilt was not established beyond reasonable doubt.

The DOJ said that the woman was kidnapped along Biak na Bato Street on September 2, 2025, and was transported to Baywalk Suites, Bacoor City, and Laurel, Batangas, to extort ransom from her family.

The accused demanded P500 million, but it was reduced to P8.1 million after negotiations.

Though the ransom was paid and delivered on September 7, 2025, the DOJ said that the victim remained in captivity until her rescue on September 11, 2025.

“The Department of Justice remains resolute in upholding the rule of law and pursuing justice without fear or favor,” it said in a statement.—AOL, GMA News