NBI man testifies in Ellah Joy trial

Prosecutors yesterday presented its last witness as the Cebu Regional Trial Court resumed the trial against Bella Ruby Santos, the primary suspect in the kidnap-slay of 6-year-old Ellah Joy Pique.

Special Investigator Arnel Pura of the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas took the witness stand and narrated how he arrested Santos in a mall in Manila last year.

Pura is the 10th witness of the prosecution on purposes of asking the court to deny Santos’ request for bail.

Prosecution lawyer Inocencio dela Cerna, however, said they would present two or three more witnesses during the trial.

Regional Trial Court Judge Ester Veloso of Branch 6 gave the prosecution 15 days to file its formal offer of exhibits in court.

The defense may start presenting its witnesses on Jan. 28.

In his testimony, Pura said he was in Manila  when he was requested by the NBI Central Visayas officials to verify reports that Santos was in SM Megamall in Ortigas Center.

On Oct 7, 2011, Pura saw the accused inside the mall and asked her if she is Bella Ruby Santos.

He said Santos first introduced herself as “Lara Eva Gonzales.”

Pura said he brought Santos to the security department of the mall.

During interrogation, Santos admitted her real identity./Reporter Ador Vincent S. Mayol