10 charged over pharmaceutical exec’s abduction-slay
TEN people have been charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) with kidnapping for ransom and murder involving a pharmaceutical executive in July last year.
This was after the DOJ established probable cause against the respondents during preliminary investigation.
The following individuals were charged before the Batangas, Sto. Tomas City Regional Trial Court:
As principals: Carlo Cadampog, Cesar Cadampog, Adrian Joseph Méndez also known as “AJ”, Richmel Riel Ignilan also known as “Bay”, Jomel Vizcarra, and Aldrin Antonio/Norman Antonio also known as “Tomtom”.
As accomplices: John Benedict Dumalanta and Victor Ferrer.
As accessories: David Gundran, Jr. and Melvin Andes.
The DOJ stated in a press briefer, “After evaluation of the evidence, the panel of prosecutors found sufficient evidence to hold respondents, except Melchor Andes, a minor, for trial.” They allegedly conspired to kill Eduardo G. Tolosa Jr., president and CEO of Iraseth Pharma, Inc.
According to investigation, Tolosa Jr. left his home in Marikina City before noon on July 14, 2022, driving his luxury sports vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser.
Later that day, he called a company executive asking her to retrieve US$102,700, 2,800 euros, 186 Singaporean dollars, and luxury watches Rolex and Hublot from his vault.
A company driver delivered the money and watches to Tolosa Jr. at the South of Market Tower in Bonifacio Global City. However, several hours later, Tolosa Jr.’s phone could no longer be reached, and he was discovered to have been killed that day in Barangay San Juan, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas.
Last August, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that suspects Dumalanta, Gundran, Melvin and Melchor Andes, and Ferrer turned themselves in and gave extra-judicial confessions.
