4 suspects in priest's slay charged

CEBU, Philippines – The four suspects in the killing of Naga assistant parish priest Fr. Jovencio Rabusa in Talisay City last Monday night were charged with robbery with homicide before the Regional Trial Court yesterday.

Ruselo Ravanes, Jonas Turawan, Gerald Tradio and the 15-year-old minor who voluntarily surrendered himself to the police came to court in handcuffs yesterday facing the charges of robbery with homicide for the death of Rabusa.

They admitted that they killed the priest near a gasoline station last Monday. The four said that they had no idea that Rabusa was a priest, but said had they known they would not have robbed and killed him.

The minor said that he was not with the three during the robbery and shooting but the 17-year-old companion of the priest, Alan Ababon, in his affidavit said that while he was walking with Rabusa at the SRP in Talisay City, he saw the four of them on the other side of the road.

Ababon said that Rabusa was carrying a backpack and when they felt tired they sat down to relax at the cemented pedestrian lane near the Phoenix Gasoline Station.

While he and the priest were talking, he observed the minor and Torawan walking on the center island and sat opposite to them.

Ababon went on to say Ravanes came along and talked with the minor and Torawan. Ravanes then came to their direction with the two following him and served as a backup.

When he approached, Ravanes pulled out a gun and announced a robbery. Ababon said that they first pointed the gun at him and demanded to give them what they want.

But when Rabusa tried to run away, Ravanes shot him and Ababon was able to run and hide in the nearby gasoline station.

Ravanes said he and his companions only wanted to rob Rabusa but shot him when he ran away.

Rabusa was walking toward the house of his sister when the incident happened. He died later at the Talisay District Hospital. —Jasmin R. Uy/BRP (THE FREEMAN)