THE Quezon City Police District (QCPD), under the leadership of PCOL Melecio M. Buslig, Jr., announced the successful apprehension of the mastermind and two accomplices involved in a recent kidnapping and murder case.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), led by PMAJ Don Don Llapitan, identified the suspects as Victor Vidal Dueñas, 62, a resident of Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Noli Banegas Cape, 29, and Mervin Juane Armas, 44, both residents of Amparo Subdivision, North Caloocan, Caloocan City.
Timeline of Events:
On January 5, 2025, at approximately 7:00 AM, the victim departed his residence in a gray Toyota Innova (Plate Number AAK 2387) en route to his fish farm in Calauan, Laguna. By 1:57 PM, he contacted his son, requesting a ₱100,000 GCash transfer. However, only ₱79,000 was sent due to account limits. That evening, the victim’s son attempted to call him but received no response. By early January 6, the victim’s phone was found switched off.
Later that day, the victim’s son discovered unauthorized withdrawals from his father’s ATM cards in Sacred Heart Village, Quezon City. Alarmed, he reported his father missing to Anonas Police Station (PS 9).
Investigation and Arrests:
Joint operatives from CIDU, the District Anti-Carnapping Unit (DACU) led by PLTCOL Hector Ortencio, the District Intelligence Division (DID) under PLTCOL Rossel Cejas, and PS 9 under PLTCOL Zachary Cappelan launched an investigation. CCTV footage revealed that the victim was kidnapped along Xavierville Avenue, Barangay Loyola Heights, Quezon City, around 8:00 AM on January 5.
Through backtracking CCTV footage, investigators traced a red Mitsubishi Mirage (Plate Number WOL 880) used in the crime. The vehicle was located at a rubber vulcanizing shop in Mountain Heights Subdivision, Barangay 183, Pangarap, Caloocan City. This led to the arrest of Cape and Armas.
Recovered during their arrest were:
A .22 Black Widow 9mm firearm with five live rounds
A hand grenade
Seven mobile phones
ATM cards
Various IDs
A camouflage sling bag
The victim’s Toyota Innova was later found abandoned on Crispulo Street, Miramonte Park, Barangay 180, Caloocan City.
Discovery of the Victim and the Mastermind’s Arrest:
On January 9, 2025, at approximately 12:05 AM, the victim’s body was discovered buried in a vacant lot in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. The body showed signs of strangulation and was found with hands restrained by handcuffs.
During the investigation, suspect Cape confessed to receiving instructions from the alleged mastermind, Victor Vidal Dueñas, who promised full payment for the crime. Dueñas arranged to meet Cape and Armas at a McDonald’s branch in Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City, on January 10, 2025. Acting swiftly, authorities arrested Dueñas at 7:50 AM on the same day.
Recovered from Dueñas were:
A blue leather belt bag
An iPhone
A handcuff key with a keychain
A leather wallet containing assorted IDs
The victim’s remains were sent to JROA Funeral for autopsy, while the suspects and evidence were brought to CIDU for further investigation.
Commendation from QCPD Leadership:
PCOL Buslig, Jr. praised the operatives for their swift and coordinated efforts, which led to the resolution of the case. He stated, “Let this serve as a warning to criminals. The QCPD will not stop working until justice prevails. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”