Priest's killers face another suit for stealing cable wires

CEBU, Philippines - Two of the suspects in the robbery-killing of a priest in Talisay City last July have been charged of theft before the Regional Trial Court yesterday along with four others for allegedly stealing the cable wires of Globe Telecomm.

Russel Ravanes and Gerlad Tradio, who are now detained at the Talisay City Jail in Barangay Maghaway for robbing and killing Fr. Jovencio Rabusa, were charged for theft along with Wilson Abalo alias “Tawi”, James Navilla also known as “Hapon,” Ricky Yares also known as “Eric” and Roberto Belleta.

Ravanes, Tradio and the four other suspects were charged by Globe last June after being arrested for stealing the company’s cable wires worth P55,000.

The case was previously under inquest investigation but was dismissed by Prosecutor Benjo Luther Macion. However, Assistant Talisay City Prosecutor William Canta has recommended for the reopening of the investigation into the case after he found probable cause following the admission of the suspects to the crime.

Gerald Bechayda of Globe Telecomm said that sometime in June 5 while he was in roving patrol with his team in Talisay City, he discovered that some of their cable wires were cut off.

A hot pursuit was conducted resulting to the arrest of one Roberto Belleta who was seen carrying a sack of cable wires along the South Reclamation Project.

But Belleta’s companions eluded arrest thus the prosecutor’s office conducted an inquest investigation.

The two suspects, Ravanes and Tradio were arrested days after the robbery-killing of Naga parish priest Fr. Jovencio Rabusa last July 6.

Fr. Rabusa was walking at the South Road Properties in Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City at past 8 p.m. when he was blocked by the suspects but the victim refused to hand over his two mobile phones to the robbers prompting the latter to shot the priest thrice.

Rabusa was brought to Talisay City District Hospital but expired 15 minutes later due to the wounds below his nape, butt, and arm. The robbers did not take his wallet and wristwatch.– Jasmin R. Uy/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)