Priest's "killers" plead not guilty

CEBU, Philippines - The four suspects in the killing of Naga assistant parish priest Fr. Jovencio Rabusa in Talisay City last July has entered a not guilty plea in court despite their earlier admission to the crime before the police and the media.

Ruselo Ravanes, Jonas Turawan, Gerald Tradio and the 15-year-old minor, who voluntarily surrendered himself to the police, entered a not guilty plea before the sala of Regional Trial Court Branch 24 Judge Olegario Sarmiento yesterday after facing the charges of robbery with homicide for the death of the priest.

They earlier admitted they killed Rabusa near a gasoline station but said that they had no idea that he was a priest. Had they known that Rabusa was a priest, they would not have robbed and killed him, the four accused said.

The minor denied he was with the three during the robbery and shooting but the 17-year-old companion of the priest, Alan Ababon, in his affidavit, said that while he was walking with Rabusa at the SRP in Talisay City, he saw the four on the other side of the road.

Ababon said Rabusa was carrying a backpack and when they felt tired they sat down to relax at the cemented pedestrian lane near the Phoenix Gasoline Station.

While he and the priest were talking, Ababon observed the minor and Turawan walking on the center island and sat opposite to them.

Ababon further said Ravanes came along and talked with the minor and Turawan. Ravanes then came to their direction with the two following him and served as a backup.

When he approached, Ravanes pulled out a gun and announced a robbery. Ababon said that they first pointed the gun at him and demanded to give them what they want.

But when Rabusa tried to run away, Ravanes shot him and Ababon was able to run and hide in the nearby gasoline station.

Ravanes said he and his companions only wanted to rob Rabusa but shot him when he ran away.

Rabusa was walking toward the house of his sister when the incident happened. He died later at the Talisay District Hospital.

The minor accused will remain at the Maghaway City Jail for the meantime that no request for transfer to the city’s jail facility for minors has been made. — Jasmin R. Uy/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)