2 get life for retiree’s kidnap-slay

MANILA, Philippines — A Quezon City court yesterday sentenced two men to life imprisonment without eligibility for parole for kidnapping and killing a retired telecommunications firm employee in 2018.

In a 16-page ruling, Judge Maria Luisa Else Gonzales-Betic found Jeremy Bacos and Don Felder de Torres guilty of kidnapping for ransom with homicide.

She also ordered them to pay the heirs of Isagani Punio a total of P549,450 as actual, moral and exemplary damages as well as civil indemnity and temperate damages.

Punio’s widow, Rizalina, and their relatives were present during the promulgation of the decision.

Bacos, Rizalina’s nephew, was considered the mastermind behind Punio’s kidnap and murder. 

De Torres admitted his participation in the crime and told the court that he was paid P25,000 for his service. 

Court records show Punio’s kidnappers demanded P15 million from the victim’s family, who managed to pay P450,000.

A witness said Punio was already dead when his family paid part of the ransom demand. Authorities found Punio’s body in Calaca, Batangas.

Rizalina thanked people who helped them get justice for her husband.

Teresita Ang See of the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order said they were confident that the two would be found guilty.