Suspects in model-TV talent's murder brought to RTC for arraignment

Under tight security, suspects in the murder of model and TV talent Julie Ann Rodelas last November 6 were brought to a Quezon City court Monday morning to be arraigned.

 

Suspected mastermind Althea Altamirano was wearing shades and a bonnet while being escorted by police to the court.

 

Jaymar Waradji, another suspect who is being groomed as a potential state witness, was also escorted from his detention cell early Monday to be arraigned.

 

The suspects face murder charges before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court's Branch 223, according to a report on dzBB radio.

 

Also scheduled for arraignment before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court's Branch 223 were suspected mastermind Fernando Quiambao Jr. and Gelen Pasawilan.

 

An earlier dzBB report said Quiambao, Waradji and Pasawilan were to be brought to the Quezon City Jail after their arraignment.

 

But the Quezon City Police District was to manifest that Waradji remain under QCPD custody as Rodelas' family feared for his safety.

 

Meanwhile, the QCPD said new CCTV footage showed Quiambao, Waradji, and another suspect, Efren Talib, ate at a restaurant before abducting Rodelas.

 

Rodelas was abducted in Pasay City and shot dead in Quezon City Nov. 6. Police have found basis to prepare rape charges against some of the suspects after an autopsy showed lacerations on the victim's private parts.

 

Altamirano and Quiambao were arrested in Pampanga, with Altamirano admitting she merely wanted to teach Rodelas a lesson for allegedly spreading rumors Altamirano already has two children.

 

The murder of Rodelas, along with the violent killing of University of Santo Tomas alumna Cyrish Magalang, had prompted anti-crime groups to call for the reimposition of the death penalty to deter heinous crimes. –KG, GMA News