Cops tighten security at model’s wake

MANILA, Philippines - Police yesterday tightened security at the wake of Julie Ann Rodelas on Bagong Lipunan street, CAA Village in Las Piñas City after motorcycle-riding men were spotted circling the area.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Romulo Sapitula said plainclothes policemen were dispatched to ensure the security of Rodelas’ family.

Rodelas, a 22-year-old model and talent of ABS CBN, was abducted in front of World Trade Center along Buendia in Pasay City shortly after midnight Tuesday. Hours later, she was found dead in Cubao, Quezon City.

Pasay City acting police chief Superintendent Samuel Turla said his men were able to respond to the abduction but lost the suspects after they were misled by Althea Altamirano, who gave wrong description of the suspects’ vehicle.

Turla said he will file charges against Altamirano for misleading the police.

Background check

Meanwhile, Fernando Quiambao Jr., who along with his girlfriend Altamirano has been charged with the murder of Rodelas, was implicated in a robbery and car theft reported by an architect 10 years ago.

Chief Superintendent Mario dela Vega, director of the Quezon City Police District, ordered a background check on Quiambao following revelations made by Altamirano.

Quiambao has been charged with frustrated murder, robbery and car theft based on a complaint by Luis Miguel Borromeo.

The charges were filed before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 76 but the complainant decided to drop the case.

Borromeo complained that Quiambao took his cash and valuables worth P30,000 and his Honda Civic on July 23, 2002. He was allegedly stabbed by the suspect.       

– With Reinir Padua