Kidnap suspect nabbed in DOJ

MANILA, Philippines - A suspect in the kidnapping of a child in Laguna last February was arrested in the Department of Justice (DOJ) building yesterday morning.

Anthony Aquipel, a witness in a murder case pending with the DOJ, was scheduled to appear in a preliminary investigation hearing when National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents, led by Anthony Gabor, apprehended him based on an arrest warrant issued by Calamba Regional Trial Court Branch 35 Judge Gregorio Velasquez.

Aquipel, a resident of Barangay Tabon 1 in Kawit, Cavite, arrived at the hearing with police escorts.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Aquipel was implicated in a kidnap-for-ransom involving a minor in February. She said the NBI learned that Aquipel was set to attend the hearing yesterday.

Aquipel was detained at the NBI headquarters as officials wait for the Calamba court’s order on where he would be held during the course of the trial.

Aquipel, if convicted, faces life imprisonment. Kidnapping is a non-bailable offense.