3 Revilla murder suspects plead not guilty

MANILA, Philippines - The three accused middlemen yesterday pleaded not guilty to the murder of actor Ram Revilla (real name Ramgen Bautista).

Appearing before a trial court judge in Parañaque, Glaiza Visda, boyfriend Norween de la Cruz, and Ryan Pastera also pleaded not guilty to the frustrated murder charge of Revilla’s girlfriend, Janelle Manahan.

The three were accused of looking for and hiring assassins to murder Revilla, who was shot and stabbed dead in his family residence in BF Homes, Parañaque on Oct. 28, 2011.

He was in his room with Manahan when a gunman barged in and started shooting. Manahan survived being shot in the face.

During the hearing, Manahan’s lawyer also asked presiding judge Fortunito Mendoza to issue a hold departure order against the seven accused to make sure they cannot leave the country.

Mendoza also formally asked the judge to issue an order directing the Department of Foreign Affairs to cancel the passport of Revilla’s sister and accused mastermind Ramona Bautista.

Bautista fled to Turkey days after the murder. She initially claimed she was abducted by Revilla’s attacker but recanted it before going abroad.

Pastera’s lawyer, Melinda Salcedo, withdrew her client’s earlier motion to be detained at the National Bureau of Investigation instead of the Parañaque City Jail after the facility met with her approval.