The Department of Justice (DOJ) reported the conviction of individuals responsible for the kidnapping and killing of a businessman in Antipolo City.
In a decision dated April 13, 2026, the Regional Trial Court Branch 138 in Antipolo City found Mark Stanly Banghulot y Subejano, Romeo Baluran, Rudy Benega, Teody Maghuyop, and Adam Paulin guilty beyond reasonable doubt of kidnapping for ransom with homicide under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.
The court found the accused responsible for the abduction of Jose Saribong and the killing of his driver, Jimmy Palermo, in front of a gate at Golden Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City. The suspects demanded a P40-million ransom, but Saribong was killed despite his relatives paying a portion of the amount.
All five were sentenced to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole. They were also ordered to pay, jointly and severally, the heirs of Saribong P100,000 as civil indemnity and P890,000 as actual damages.
The DOJ commended Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas for her work in securing the convictions.