Barangay chief denies giving support to murder suspect

CEBU, Philippines - Barangay Tabunok captain Maning Cabriana yesterday denied that the barangay is supporting Bella Ruby Santos, one of the suspects in the killing of Ella Joy Pique.

Residents had seen Santos boarding the barangay-owned mini bus once.

"Ngano gud tawon nga mosuporta ta anang mga suspects? In good faith ra gyud tong amoa. Niari sila kay moabang sa atong mini bus kay gamiton kuno sa mga bata, wa sila moingun nga para diay to gamiton sa suspect," Cabriana said.

Cabriana showed to media the barangay's log book that one Beth Rabaya rented the mini bus last April 1 for P300 for maintenance, reportedly for the use of 50 children.

Cabriana said Rabaya reportedly told the barangay she is a friend of Provincial Board member Julian Daan.

"Pirmi man sad gud nang abangan ang bus sa lain laing-lugar, nya kargado mga bata ang mosakay, so di na kaayo kuti kung naay moari og moabang, basta lang way naka schedule nga mogamit," he said.

The bus was seen last Friday being boarded by Santos after her hearing at the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office.

Santos is a resident of barangay Inayagan, Naga City.

Santos and her boyfriend British national Ian Charles Griffiths were charged with kidnapping and homicide in relation to the death of Ella Joy.

Ella Joy was kidnapped last February 8 while on her way out of Minglanilla's Calajoan Elementary School.

She was found already dead early morning the next day several miles up north down a cliff in Barili town.—  (FREEMAN)