"Don't use Pique case for fame"

CEBU, Philippines - Acting Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador has warned lawyers not to use the Ellah Joy Pique case for personal fame.

Comendador also clarified that they are not working with any other lawyers on the case except with the Children’s Legal Bureau.

Comendador was reacting to newspaper report quoting Lawyer Daryll Roque Amante saying they are already filing a case for kidnapping and murder against Bella Ruby Santos and her British boyfriend Ian Charles Griffith.

Amante tagged Santos and Griffith as suspects in the kidnapping and murder of Pique even if the police have yet to name their suspects. Although their vehicle, a three-door Mitsubishi Pajero, is in police custody for suspicion that it was used to commit the crime.

Comendador questioned Amante’s basis in tagging Santos and Griffith as suspects in Pique’s kidnap-slay.

“Hustisya man gud atong gipangita and not ang pagpasikat sa usa ka tao,” he said.

According to Comendador, they need to have strong evidence before accusing anybody as suspect.

Comendador clarified that the Philippine National Police has tapped the expertise of the CLB, a non-government organization, being the most appropriate organization and has proper lawyers to represent the case.

Comendador said they have already an initial talk with Atty. Katrina Legarda and the victim’s father Renante Pique. The father had already given his consent for the CLB to represent him in the case. – Ria Mae Y. Booc/FPL (THE FREEMAN)