Ellah Joy Pique kidnap-slay case: Panel finds cause to charge couple

CEBU, Philippines - The three-man panel formed by the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office to look into the evidence presented on the kidnap-slay of six-year-old Ellah Joy Pique has found prima facie evidence against Bella Ruby Santos and her British boyfriend Ian Charles Griffiths.

This was bared yesterday by Acting Provincial Prosecutor England Joseph Berciles.

He said that the panel found reason to charge Santos and Griffiths for kidnapping with homicide. He, however, said that he is still going to review the recommendation of the panel and will have his recommendation in three days.

“I have to review their findings whether or not probable cause really exist, if there is, then I have to approve the resolution but if no probable cause, I have to make another resolution of reversing the recommendation of the panel,” Berciles explained.

Furthermore, he said after the resolution of the case will be out each party will be given 10 days to file a motion for reconsideration or a petition for review to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Lawyer Rameses Victorius Villagonzalo, counsel of Santos, said they will respect the decision of the three-man panel.

Villagonzalo said they will not file any motion for reconsideration or petition to review in order to hasten the case and to elevate it immediately to the Regional Trial Court (RTC).

He, however, said they will find any other remedy to stop the issuance of the warrant of arrest against his clients.

Counsel of the Criminal Investigation and Detective Group (CIDG), lawyer Inocencio de la Cerna said they welcome the development of the case.

“The findings of the panel… is good for the task force and to the family of Ellah Joy Pique,” dela Cerna said.

He added they were already confident upon filing of the complaint before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against Santos and Griffiths that probable cause will be established.

De la Cerna said they felt 100 percent success that the crime has been solved by the CIDG.

“This is an icing of the cake,” he said.

Moreover, de la Cerna said once the warrant of arrest will be issued against Santos and Griffiths, it’s the government to government process through the request of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who will implement the warrant of arrest against Griffiths as he was in the United Kingdom (UK).

The panel endorsed its findings to Berciles last June 17.

Berciles created the panel to set aside the presumption that there will be bias.

The CIDG filed the case against Santos and Griffiths on March 31 before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

The witnesses for the prosecution said based on the counter-affidavit they executed, Santos and Griffiths were responsible for the alleged kidnap and killing of Ellah Joy Pique, a six-year-old girl from the town of Minglanilla.

Pique was kidnapped on February 8 and was found the next day off a cliff in Barili town.

Pique was a student of the Calajoan Elementary School.

She was allegedly abducted by a Caucasian and a Filipina on board a dark-colored Sports Utility Vehicle. –/NLQ (FREEMAN)