Prosecution: Ecleo witness is "paid"

CEBU, Philippines - The prosecution in the parricide case against Dinagat Rep. Ruben Ecleo, Jr., the prime suspect in the death of his wife, Alona Bacolod-Ecleo, is trying to prove to the court that the defense witness is a paid one or a planted witness.

Alexander Bacolod, the first cousin of Alona, was asked during cross-examination by prosecution lawyer Kit Enriquez whether he sent text messages to Alona’s brother Niño on October 16, 18 and 20 in 2009.

Alexander said he could not recall sending any messages as he did not have a mobile phone at that time. Enriquez then read the contents of the three text messages wherein Alexander asked the siblings whether they have made a decision for their future.

“Isn’t it true that as emissary of Ruben Ecleo, you made an offer of P4 million for them to withdraw the case?” Enriquez asked Alexander.

Defense lawyer Orlando Salatandre was quick to say that the question was an opinion of the counsel.

Also, Alexander had claimed that he, Alona and Alona’s siblings were very close, a claim that was disputed by the prosecution when he testified that since the death of Alona in January 5, 2002, he never visited her grave because he does not know where her body was laid to rest.

Alexander also testified that Alona’s siblings, Niño, Josebil and Ricky were close to him but admitted that since the death of Alona and even the death of Alona’s parents, he had not contacted them by cellular phone, landline or letter.

Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Presiding Judge Soliver Peras also wondered why Alexander never tried to contact Alona’s siblings and did not visit Alona’s grave, if indeed they were close.

After the hearing, Enriquez told the press that Alexander is not a credible witness. Alexander had tried to show that Ruben Ecleo was concerned about his wife’s death.

In the previous hearing, Alexander testified that he was requested by Ruben Ecleo on January 9, 2002 to find Alona, who was reported missing.

Alexander, who lives in San Jose, Dinagat Island in Surigao, said he contracted three “habal-habal” drivers to look for Alona in the three barangays in the Island upon the instruction of “Master Ruben.”

Later that same day, Alexander said, he learned that Alona’s body was found in Dalaguete, Cebu so he immediately reported this to Ecleo as instructed. He further testified that he was one of those who stopped Ruben from going back to Cebu to claim the body because Ben, the brother of Alona, was angry with Ruben and even suspected that he killed Alona.Ruben testified in August 31, 2010 wherein he belied the allegation that he killed his wife in their house in Forest Hills, Banawa, Cebu City.

Ecleo surrendered to police authorities last June 19, 2002 after a bloody encounter between law enforcers and PBMA followers. Twenty-three people were killed when the police served his warrant of arrest in San Jose, Dinagat Island.

While the violence in Dinagat island erupted, Ben was shot dead in his home in Mandaue City along with his mother, Rosalia and his father Elpidio by a lone assailant later identified as Rico Gumonong, reportedly a PBMA member.

Last March 1, 2004, Ruben posted a P1-million bail before RTC Branch 23 Judge Generosa Labra after his lawyer presented medical results showing that he has a heart ailment. — THE FREEMAN