6th witness skips trial after asthma attack

Clad in their blue statement shirts, Bella Ruby Santos’ supporters  headed  home disappointed after the prosecution’s sixth witness failed to attend the continuation of his cross-examination yesterday in the sala of Regional Trial Court  Judge Ester Veloso of Branch 6.

Richard Ian Bansuan, the sixth witness, was reportedly admitted in Barili District Hospital due to an asthma attack while heading to yesterday’s cross-examination with  CIDG personnel.

Bansuan earlier testified that he saw Santos and her partner Ian Charles Griffiths dump a big load  from a  cliff in Barili around 11:45 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2011.

The body of 6-year-old Ella Joy was discovered the next day wrapped in a blanket.

The defense said Bansuan’s absence in the hearing was intentional to prolong Santos’ detention in the Naga City Jail.

“I’ve seen this scenario already,” said defense lawyer Rameses Villagonzalo.

The prosecution panel will present Bansuan’s medical certificate and laboratory results on June 18, the reset date of the cross-examination.

“To satisfy the cravings of the defense, we will present two witnesses,” said lawyer Inocencio dela Cerna.

The defense said that if Bansuan still fails to appear on June 18,  they will file a motion to strike out his initial testimonies.

“This is good for us because no one will substantiate their story,” said  Julius Caesar Encite, one of the defense’s counsel.

Ronald Arao, one of Bella Ruby’s supporters, said he brought medicines in case Bansuan suffers an asthma attack again but was dismayed upon learning that Bansuan did not make it in the hearing.

“Get well soon, Bansuan,” Santos said.correspondent katreena bisnar