CEBU, Philippines - As the police continue the manhunt operation against Bella Ruby Santos, her sister is calling on her to surrender and face the charges.
Ana Marion Lalican said she is afraid that the police might harm her sister as soon as she is arrested.
“I am scared that they will torture Bella when they are able to arrest her,” Lalican said.
She claimed no knowledge of the whereabouts of her sister. Lalican said they are also worried of Santos because she has not communicated to them since she left supposedly for vacation before the warrant of arrest was issued against her for kidnapping with homicide.
A P100,000 reward money has already been put up by a concerned citizen for anyone who can help give information that would lead to the arrest of Santos.
The amount can still go up said an official of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. CIDG-7 deputy chief Roman Cardiño said there are concerned citizens who expressed willingness to donate an amount of money for reward.
“They are willing to help because they pity the family of Pique and they know Santos has money,” Cardiño said.
He however said that the members of the Task Force Ellah Joy are yet to meet to decide whether or not to accept the offer for reward.
Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador said they are receiving information of the possible whereabouts of Santos but all of these are still subject for validation.
“Knowledge is the sacred factor of this operation,” Comendador said while admitting that Santos has all the chances to hide as long as she still has enough resources to use.
Comendador believes that Santos is still in the country.
A copy of the warrant of arrest was already furnished to the International Police through the Philippine Center for Transnational Crimes in Manila. The Interpol will serve the arrest warrant against Santos’ boyfriend Ian Charles Griffiths who is already detained in the United Kingdom.
Comendador said that as soon as Griffiths is served with his arrest warrant they will coordinate with the government in the United Kingdom for his extradition.
Senior Superintendent Louie Oppus, deputy regional director for operation, said they are in constant communication with the London Metropolitan Police. (FREEMAN)