Witness positively IDs Bella in homicide case

CEBU, Philippines - The first witness presented by the prosecution in the kidnapping with homicide case of six-year-old Ellah Joy Pique has positively identified suspect Bella Ruby Santos as the one who took the victim.

The 12-year-old girl was presented yesterday during the first presentation of evidence by the prosecution for the petition for bail.

It was private prosecutor Joan Saniel from the Children’s Legal Bureau who did the direct examination of the girl inside the chamber of Regional Trial Court Branch 6 Judge Ester Veloso.

Court rules prohibit the examination of a minor in open court to avoid any possible trauma this may bring.

But defense lawyer Rameses Villagonzalo said the identification of the witness was favorable to them.

“You draw your own conclusion, if nakulatahan pami karon mongisi kaha mi?” Villagonzalo said.

Veloso only allowed two counsels to represent each party. For the prosecution it was Saniel and Petronio Elesterio, for the defense it was Villagonzalo and Julius Caesar Entise.

The father of the victim, Renante Pique, and his wife were also allowed inside the chamber.

Renante said the witness positively identified Santos as the accused by pointing her right hand at the latter when asked by Veloso.

More than 50 persons went to the Hall of Justice to support Santos. They included her mother, relatives and neighbors who were wearing t-shirts printed with the words “Bella and Ian are innocent”.

Also yesterday, lawyer Inocencio dela Cerna and his associates entered their appearance as private prosecutors in collaboration with the CLB.

Ellah Joy was kidnapped last February 8, 2011 when she was on her way home from school in Minglanilla town. She was found dead the following day in Barili town.

Based on the investigation by the Task Force Ellah Joy, Santos and her British boyfriend Ian Charles Griffiths were behind the crime. – (FREEMAN)