Answer
Kidnapping and serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code is committed by a private individual who kidnaps or detains another, or in any other manner deprives the victim of liberty. It becomes serious — and draws the graver penalty — when the detention lasts more than three days, is committed by simulating public authority, involves serious physical injuries or threats to kill, or the victim is a minor, a female, or a public officer.
The prescribed penalty is reclusion perpetua; where the kidnapping is committed for ransom, the death penalty formerly imposable is no longer imposed because of Republic Act No. 9346, so the penalty is reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole. The essence of the offense is the actual deprivation of the victim's liberty coupled with the offender's intent to bring it about.
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