DOJ indicts 3 in kidnap of 9 Chinese, Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted three suspects for the alleged kidnapping of six Chinese and three Filipinos in Muntinlupa last year.

In a statement yesterday, the DOJ said state prosecutors found probable cause to file charges of kidnapping, serious illegal detention, homicide and car theft against Edgar Catapang Abarca, Eduardo Catapang Abarca and John Oliver Villanueva, who is also known as Carlo Acero Villanueva.

The charges stemmed from a complaint filed before the DOJ by the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group in December 2023.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla Jr. has ordered state prosecutors to file an “airtight” case against the suspects.

“Show no mercy in prosecuting those behind these senseless crimes,” Remulla said.

Based on the complaint, the DOJ said the Filipino victims were released by the suspects in Calauan, Laguna a day after the kidnapping in October last year.

The victims reported the incident to police, which launched a series of operations against the suspects.

Four of the Chinese victims were found dead: two along Marilaque Highway in Tanay, Rizal and the other two in Infanta, Quezon in November 2023.

The two other kidnap victims, a Chinese woman and her 11-year-old son, are still missing.

Police said they were able to track down the suspects by reviewing available closed-circuit television footage