MANILA, Philippines - Contrary to claims made by her estranged husband, the body recovered last month in Navotas was that of Ruby Rose Barrameda-Jimenez, the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) said yesterday.
NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said Ruby Rose’s body, stuffed inside a drum, was recovered intact, despite almost two years under water.
“We have evidence to prove that it was Ruby Rose. But we would only submit our gathered evidence in court and not discuss it before the media to prevent the (Jimenez) camp telegraphing our punches,” Rosales told The STAR.
In a television interview, Ruby Rose’s former husband, Manuel Jimenez III, said the body was not that of his former wife. Jimenez III, his father and uncle, shipping magnate Lope Jimenez, were charged with masterminding her murder. The three men have repeatedly denied the charges.
Jimenez III said a third party was the main reason for the breakup of their marriage.
Rosales said Jimenez III should submit his claims before the court and not discuss it with members of media. He added that it is not the public who will judge the case but a regional trial court judge.
Rosales said a former operations manager of Lope’s shipping firm led them to the location of the body, and Ruby Rose’s family identified it by the clothes and dental records.
Rosales said the families of at least four other executions, reportedly also by the same suspects, are closely monitoring Ruby Rose’s case before deciding on their course of action. – Non Alquitran