Father of Ella Joy calls for swift resolution of case

CEBU, Philippines - One year after the death of his daughter Ellah Joy, Renante Pique yesterday made a wish – that the court would not delay the resolution of the case against Bella Ruby Santos and Ian Charles Griffiths, the suspects in Ellah Joy’s killing.

“Nagpaabot ra mi sa korte unsay desisyon sa kaso. Pero nanghinaot ko nga unta dili lang molangat og dugay ang kaso. Kung mahimo magowas ang desisyon sa pinakadali nga panahon,” Renante said in an interview with The FREEMAN shortly after the Holy Mass for Ellah Joy’s first death anniversary.

Renante said he relies on the court for justice for his daughter. The case for kidnapping and homicide against Santos and Griffiths is pending before the sala of Regional Trial Court Judge Ester Veloso.

Santos is currently detained at the Naga City Jail while Griffiths remains on the loose. He was able to leave the country for the United Kingdom before the case was filed against them.

Renante said he personally believes that Santos is behind the killing based on the testimonies of eyewitnesses.

Exactly a year ago yesterday, six-year-old Ellah Joy was reported missing by her family when she did not show up at her home after attending her classes at the Calajoan Elementary School in Barangay Calajoan, Minglanilla town.

The following day, her body was found down a cliff in Barangay Sayaw, Barili town.

At 2:30 pm yesterday, Ellah Joy’s family, former teachers and former schoolmates at the Calajoan Elementary School offered a Holy Mass for her at the school grounds.

Ellah Joy’s former schoolmates posted drawings of hearts and the words “I love you” beside her picture, which was used as backdrop at the altar during yesterday’s mass.

After the mass, the Piques visited the child’s grave at the Pardo Cemetery.

Renante admitted that he still finds it difficult to bear the pain of his daughter’s loss even if a year has passed. Ellah Joy was his only child.

“Dili madalidali og butang sa kalimot ang nahitabo, bisa’g mangita pa og paagi nga malimot ko, sige gihapon og balik ang dagway sa akong anak didto sa morgue,” Renante said amidst tears. - THE FREEMAN