A dream shattered by a bullet

CEBU, Philippines - She would have been a nurse today.

Ruby Jade Magpatoc Ruba was 20 years old and just three weeks shy of her graduation when she was robbed and killed past midnight of March 6, 2008. Her aspirations to become a nurse ended after one of the robbers shot her for refusing to give her cell phone.

Ruby Jade, a graduating nursing student of the Cebu Doctors University, was texting on her cell phone while standing on the roadside in front of her friend’s apartment along Gov. Roa St. in barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City hoping she could borrow an adaptor for a laptop computer.

As a determined student, according to her friends, Ruby Jade had always put her study as her top priority. This was the reason why, during unholy hours of the night, she was still out as she needed to finish a case study she was working on as requirement for her graduation.

That determination was, however, shattered by just one bullet from the .38 caliber revolver fired by one of the motorcycle-riding robbers who have nothing in mind but make money by robbing her of her P5,000 worth cell phone.

Ruby Jade was rushed to the hospital but eventually lost her dear life because of the fatal gunshot wound she sustained—the bullet pierced through her wrist and chest that affected her internal organs.

Aside from her March 30 graduation, Ruby Jade was also looking forward to attend the “garland ceremony” of the junior and senior students of her school on March 15, the day that later became her burial day. Instead of celebrating, her friends, classmates and family members mourned as she was laid to rest in her hometown in Macrohon, Southern Leyte.

A tribute was paid to Ruby Jade through presentation of pictures of the young girl and short speeches made by her friends.

Ruby Jade was the second and the only daughter of Vicente Ruba of the Philippine Coastguard Headquarters District Central 7 in Cebu.

Still Seeking For Justice

The police have arrested filed charges against the three suspects in the killing of Ruby Jade a few days after the crime happened.

However, at the recent court hearing of the case, Vicente said his family’s agony have been prolonged because until now, justice has not yet been served his daughter.

“Hinay ang dagan sa paghatag og hustisya sa akong anak pero dili ko mawad-an og pagla-um,” he said.

However, Vicente said he is happy because of the non-stop flow of support from loved ones, classmates and supporters of his daughter. He was also grateful for the unending support of Cebu Doctors University and for giving Ruby Jade her diploma during the graduation rites which he received on her behalf.

Presently, he is also processing the papers to be able to get the Transcript of Records and the yearbook of Ruby Jade.

Last November 11, the day that would have been Ruby Jade’s 21st birthday, the Ruba family spent it by reminiscing the memories they had with her when she was alive. 

“Mingawon gyud ko niya kay paraygon man kaayo to gud. Mingawon ko nga musabak siya nako unya mamarayeg kay magpahilot kay kapoy kuno iya lawas,” Vicente said.

During Ruby Jade’s birthday, her friends also sent flowers and notes that contained their messages to her.

With the hearing of the case still going on, Vicente said he is praying that justice would finally be given to his daughter.

Aivan Barabat, Mark Anthony Gabriel, and Karl Marx Carticiano, all members of the Crips gang, were arrested and charged with robbery and homicide after Barabat and Gabriel owned up to the crime. Carticiano denied the accusation that he drove the get-away vehicle and that he should not be included in the charges.

Ruby Jade was just one of the victims of crime done by motorcycle-riding criminals that is being considered by police and other members of society as an escalating problem.

Tomorrow, March 6, will mark the 1st year death anniversary of Ruby Jade. The Ruba family will be offering a Holy Mass and novenas for her.

Vicente said they have never stopped in praying that they would be given the justice that they have been waiting for. “Justice may not bring her back to us but it would definitely help us in easing the pain for the loss of our one and only Ruby.” — AJ dela Torre/WAB(THE FREEMAN)