Rodelas rape-slay: Another video backs up suspect’s story

MANILA, Philippines - Investigators have obtained a copy of surveillance camera footage showing three suspects eating at a restaurant in Pasay City just before they allegedly abducted model and television talent Julie Ann Rodelas, an official said yesterday.

Rodelas, 20, was laid to rest at the Golden Haven Memorial Park in Las Piñas before noon yesterday, more than a week after she was killed on Nov. 6.

Chief Inspector Rodel Marcelo, head of the Quezon City Police District-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (QCPD-CIDU), said Efren Talib was seen in the footage along with arrested suspects Fernando Quiambao Jr. and Jeymar Waradji while they were eating at a restaurant near the World Trade Center.

According to Marcelo, the video matched Waradji’s statement that the three of them had a meal at a restaurant before they forced her into their vehicle.

Marcelo said the footage would help them in going after Talib and an alias Aldos, who remain at large following the murder.

QCPD director Chief Superintendent Mario dela Vega said he has sent out additional teams to go after the two suspects.

In his statement, Waradji told policemen the victim was raped twice – first by Talib and next by Aldos at a house in Barangay Culiat before the victim was killed and dumped in Cubao.

Rodelas was found clutching a receipt from a fastfood restaurant in Ermita. The receipt led investigators to check surveillance footage at the restaurant, which showed Quiambao reportedly buying a burger meal at the time stated on the receipt. 

Quiambao, Waradji and Rodelas’ fellow model, Althea Altamirano, have been charged with murder.

Altamirano, the victim’s friend, said she prodded Quiambao, her boyfriend, to teach Rodelas a lesson for spreading word that she already has children.

Altamirano said she never thought it would lead to the murder and rape of the victim.

Procession, song for victim

Rodelas’ family attended a Mass at the Mary Queen of Apostles parish church in Parañaque City and held a funeral procession from their house in CAA Village, Las Piñas City.

ABS-CBN reported that they were joined by her friends and classmates from Arellano University, who offered a song for the victim.

Officers from the QCPD-CIDU, led by homicide division head Inspector Elmer Monsalve, accompanied Rodelas’ family in the funeral procession.

Mourners released white flowers as Rodelas was lowered into the ground, according to radio station dzBB.

Rodelas’ brother Alvin told dzBB that they remain hopeful that Talib and Aldos will be caught. He added that their family will not stop fighting for justice for her.