Three of four suspects in Julie Ann Rodelas killing arraigned

Three of four suspects in the killing of model and TV talent Julie Ann Rodelas last November 6 were arraigned before a Quezon City court Monday morning, with only one of them entering a plea of not guilty.

 

Suspected masterminds Althea Altamirano and boyfriend Fernando Quiambao Jr. did not enter a plea, prompting the Quezon City court to enter a plea of “not guilty” for them, radio dzBB’s Allan Gatus reported.

 

A third suspect, Jaymar Waradji, entered a “not guilty” plea. Waradji is being groomed as a state witness in the killing of Rodelas.

 

On the other hand, a fourth suspect, Gelen Pasawilan, was not arraigned on charges of illegal possession of firearms allegedly due to incomplete information on the charge sheet.

 

The report also said the lawyers of the accused are planning to file a motion to quash the proceedings as they claimed their clients were illegally arrested.

 

Meanwhile, the court set Feb. 12, 2013 as the start of the trial proper, even as a preliminary conference and pretrial was held Monday.

 

After the arraignment, Quiambao was brought to the Quezon City Jail while Altamirano was brought to the female dormitory of the jail.

 

Rodelas was abducted 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. — RSJ, GMA News