Gov seeks help from Brit gov't

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Anti-Crime Task Force headed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is seeking the assistance of the British government in locating Ian Charles Griffiths who, along with his girlfriend, Bella Ruby Santos, were charged with the kidnapping and homicide of six-year-old Ellah Joy Pique last February.

The governor, Regional State Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane and Provincial Prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba met with Trevor Lewis, Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Manila, at the Capitol yesterday.

“We would appreciate all support that they could extend especially since this crime was committed against one of our constituents and, worst, against a child,” Garcia said.

Lewis said that they will discuss the matter with the British Embassy in Manila on how they can support the governor and the authorities.

“I’m here to express my support for the governor and the authorities,” Lewis told reporters.

Lewis was in Cebu yesterday for another appointment, he was accompanied by British Consul in Cebu Moya Jackson.

Petralba told reporters that they invited Lewis to ask about their legal system and procedures on how to locate the subject.

“Nangutana lang ta sa ilang legal process para makabalo ta what to do ba, it’s more on exploratory,” Petralba said.

Griffiths and Santos went into hiding after Regional Trial Court branch 6 Judge Ester Veloso issued last July an arrest warrant against them for the death of Pique.

Last October 7 agents of the National Bureau of Investigation arrested Santos while she was shopping at a mall in Pasig City.

During arraignment, Santos pleaded not guilty before the court.

The Children’s Legal Bureau and the three-man panel of the Department of Justice were authorized to prosecute the case of kidnapping with homicide filed against Santos and Griffiths.

Police are reportedly seeking the extradition of Griffiths, who was ordered arrested by a British court but released on bail last April, under an 1861 law that allows Britons accused of murder or manslaughter abroad to be tried at home.

Petralba earlier also confirmed that they asked the Department of Justice to initiate the process that will bring Griffiths to Philippines.

Pique was abducted while on her way home from school in Minglanilla town last February 8.  She was found dead the following day in Barili town. —/BRP (FREEMAN)