New suspects in abduction, slay of Cebu girl charged

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Police have filed charges against a new set of suspects in the abduction and murder of 6-year-old Ellah Joy Pique, following the bungling of a police investigation that led to the dropping of charges against two earlier suspects, a Norwegian and his Filipino girlfriend.

The woman charged this time, Bella Ruby Santos, professed innocence and said she would “fight until the end.” Her British boyfriend, Ian Griffiths, was charged with her.

Santos, of Naga City, Cebu, and Griffiths were charged with abducting and killing Ellah Joy on Feb. 8. The girl’s body was found in a sack in Minglanilla, Cebu.

Senior Supt. Louie Oppus, deputy regional police chief, said charges of pornography and trafficking are also to be filed against the suspects.

Santos and her lawyers called a press conference on Thursday to denounce police.

“I will leave everything to God and my lawyers,” said a hysterical Santos.

Police submitted witnesses’ accounts, including those of Ellah Joy’s classmates, as basis for the charges. Also presented as evidence were pornographic materials and the Pajero that was used in the abduction.

Santos and Griffiths flew to Singapore on Feb. 9, a few hours after the body of Ellah Joy was found.

“Although this act of flight alone does not necessarily indicate guilt, it was very suspicious,” said the police in the charges.