Victim’s mother, brother tagged in ‘gift bomb’ murder

MANILA, Philippines - The mother and brother of “gift bomb” victim Yvonne Chua were charged with murder and frustrated murder before the Department of Justice Friday.

Arlene Padilla and her son, Arnold, were accused of masterminding Chua’s death by the victim’s eldest cousin, Manuel Padilla, vice chairman of the Bantay-Bata Foundation.

Manuel told reporters that he has been receiving death threats since he decided to pursue the case and seek the help of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption.

“I don’t care about being killed by the masterminds of Yvonne’s death. All I want is to give her justice. I eat death threats for merienda,” he said.

Manuel said he pursued the case since Chua’s husband, Vinzon, and their child have left the country.

Arnold’s maid, Rhea Dalde-Obra, was charged with murder and frustrated murder after she was identified by a guard at Chua’s house as the one who delivered the gift bomb. The guard, in his testimony, said the package was for Chua, given by her mother.

Five grenades, put in a Louis Vuitton bag, exploded when Chua opened the package on Dec. 29, 2010.

Manuel said he believes “greed” could be the motive for his cousin’s killing.