Lawyer claims CIDG tampered all plate numbers of Santos' Pajero

CEBU, Philippines - Lawyer Rameses Villagonzalo has accused the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 of allegedly tampering with the other plate number of the Mitsubishi Pajero owned by his client Bella Ruby Santos.

Villagonzalo said they have already retrieved last week the vehicle from CIDG custody after the Regional Trial Court has ordered for its return. However, he alleged that all the plate numbers have already been tampered with.

 “The two plate numbers in front and in back were all now tampered by the CIDG. At first only the backside of the vehicle was tampered but now the CIDG make it fair,” Villagonzalo said.

Villagonzalo said they have already proven in court that the plate number LMJ-382 was tampered with to make it look like LHJ-382.

“Now, the CIDG has a zero case against my client,” Villagonzalo said.

According to Villagonzalo, they will file a manifestation before the court that the two plate numbers have been tampered with.

CIDG lawyer Inocencio dela Cerna challenged Santos to prove her allegations.

Meanwhile, Santos has asked until Friday to submit her counter-affidavit on the criminal complaint for kidnapping with homicide before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. Santos and her British boyfriend, Ian Charles Griffiths, were tagged as suspects in the kidnapping and murder of six-year-old Ellah Joy Pique in February.

Villagonzalo said they need more time to prepare the counter-affidavit of Santos because there are documents that need to be gathered. Villagonzalo said they are still waiting for the transcript of records of the proceedings in the Regional Trial Court Branch 13.

“We are still waiting for the transcript of records in Branch 13 because we will use it as evidence to the allegations filed against my client,” Villagonzalo said.

He said the transcript of records show how Judge Mienrado Paredes questioned the witnesses for the application of the search warrant.

“By getting the records, the purpose is to attack the complaint filed against Santos and as observation with the witnesses presented in court, their testimonies were inconsistent,” Villagonzalo said.

Villagonzalo added that the testimonies of the two witnesses, Richard Ian Bansuan and Ligaya Escultos, and the members of the Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG) were all false and fabricated.   (FREEMAN NEWS)