Naga mayor waits for Santos to surrender

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Valdemar Chiong is glad to hear about the prospect that Bella Ruby Santos, a suspect in a kidnap-slay case, will surrender to authorities in the city.

Chiong, in an interview, said he is making himself available and that he is waiting for Santos or any of her relatives to call him.

The 35-year-old Santos, who is a resident of barangay Inayagan, City of Naga, and her British boyfriend, Ian Charles Griffiths, are suspects in the kidnap-slay of the six-year-old Ellah Joy Pique.

The mayor said he had already checked with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and has learned that it is capable of securing Santos once she surrenders to the police.

Chiong reportedly has an employee in his office who is a first-degree cousin of Santos.

But the worker has no idea where Santos is.

Santos' relatives in Naga had urged her to surrender to the police and face the chargers against her.

Meantime, Chief Inspector Timmar Alam said they are also willing to help Santos if she finally decides to surrender to them, and assured that the entire police force of the city will provide her full security. (FREEMAN)