Ellah Joy's father visits Barili cliff

CEBU, Philippines - Like the millions of people who gave an offering yesterday for their loved ones who departed, Renante Pique, the father of late six-year-old Ellah Joy, did just that.

Early yesterday morning, Renante went to Barili town to light candles on the place where the body of his daughter was recovered, aside from holding a vigil with family and relatives on her grave.

Ellah Joy was kidnapped last February 8, 2011 when she was on her way home from her school in Calajo-an, Minglanilla. She was last seen on board on a vehicle where a Filipina and Caucasian inside.

Ellah Joy’s body was found the following day, dumped in the cliff of Barili town.

Pique said the pain remains in their hearts.

“Bati kaayo, mawagtangan ka’g anak….sakit kaayo,” he said. (It’s too painful to lose your own child.)

He, however, wishes for his daughter to have peace.

“Gusto nako magmalinawon siya kun asa man siya karon, mao lang iyang timan-an nga we love her so much ug ania kami kanunay naghandum kaniya,” he said. (I hope she is at peace wherever she is now, and that she knows we will always love her.)

Bella Ruby Santos and her British boyfriend Ian Charles Griffiths were tagged as suspects and are facing charges for kidnapping with homicide.

Santos is detained at the Naga City Jail while the case is still pending before Judge Ester Veloso of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 6, while Griffiths is still free.

Provincial Prosecutor Jane Petralba earlier said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is still working to bring Griffiths back to the Philippines to face trial. – (FREEMAN)