DOJ clears suspect in Nida Blanca killing

MANILA, Philippines – The Justice department on Monday cleared Elena dela Paz from any involvement on the murder of actress Nida Blanca in November 2001. In a 12-page resolution, the DOJ likewise approved dela Paz’s petition for review, citing sufficient basis to declare her innocent. Dela Paz was implicated as an accomplice in the killing of Blanca after Ranny Francisco, a witness, testified that dela Paz was with Blanca before she was killed. In an interview with reporters, dela Paz broke into tears as she expressed relief over the DOJ’s decision. "Nabunutan ako ng tinik. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos. Pag naaalala ko po, dinadasal ko rin mabigyan siya [Nida] ng justice (I am relieved and I thank the Lord. Whenever I remember Nida’s murder, I also pray for the administration of justice)," dela Paz. Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez was quoted as saying that Francisco pointed to dela Paz as an accomplice after he saw an old woman with Blanca at Atlanta Center in Greenhills, San Juan City where Blanca was killed. Francisco confirmed that dela Paz was the old woman. "(Francisco) saw what would seem like Elena. When standing alone, the testimony of Francisco would stand for probable cause, but against other testimonies the weight of Francisco's wasn't as strong as we thought. We should use benefit of the doubt," Gonzalez said. Blanca's daughter, Kaye Torres said she is relieved that dela Paz is absolved, saying that she never doubted that dela Paz was not involved the killing of her mother. "It’s a good thing. Now, I can focus on prosecution. When Tita Elena was accused, nahati attention ko (My attention was divided). It’s a big mistake, the testimony of one person (Francisco). I knew in my heart she was innocent," Torres said. Blanca, Dorothy Acueza Jones in real life, was found stabbed to death inside her car parked at the Atlanta Center on Nov. 7, 2001. The principal suspect in the murder, Blanca’s husband Roger “Rod" Strunk, reportedly committed suicide in the United States in 2007. - Sophia Dedace with Carlo Lorenzo, GMANews.TV