Althea Altamirano, the best friend of murder and kidnapping victim Julie Ann Rodelas, was cleared of murder charges but was ordered to pay P100,000 in damages for her involvement in the kidnapping.
A report by Saleema Refran on 24 Oras on Friday stated that the Quezon City Regional Trial Court found Altamirano guilty of kidnapping but ruled there was reasonable doubt regarding her knowledge of the plan to murder Rodelas.
In contrast, the court found Fernando Quiambao Jr., Altamirano’s boyfriend, guilty of murder. Quiambao reportedly decided to kill Rodelas after she recognized him.
He was sentenced to reclusion perpetua (22 to 40 years imprisonment) and ordered to pay up to P500,000 in damages.
Rodelas’ death dates back to 2012 when her body was discovered after she was kidnapped in front of the World Trade Center.
Altamirano, the last person seen with Rodelas, reported that the victim had been kidnapped.
However, Altamirano was later declared a suspect.
Altamirano admitted during her arrest that she was angry with Rodelas for gossiping about her, prompting Quiambao to suggest teaching Rodelas a “lesson.”
However, Altamirano claimed she was unaware of her boyfriend’s intent to rape and kill Rodelas.
“Hindi ko alam na gagahasain nila, papatayin pa nila. Sorry po. Alam ko pong kahit anong sorry ko, alam ko, kasalanan ko,” Altamirano said.
(I didn’t know they would rape and kill her. I’m sorry. I know it’s my fault.)
Victim’s family to appeal
Rodelas’ family expressed disappointment with the verdict, particularly Altamirano’s release from detention.
“Masakit talaga kaya gusto ko madagdagan ‘yung pagkakulong niya. Hindi naman mamamatay ang anak ko kung hindi siya ang naging dahilan. Mag-aapela kami sa korte para makulong pa siya,” said the victim’s mother.
(It’s painful. I want her to serve more time in jail. My daughter wouldn’t have died if it hadn’t been for her. We will appeal to the court.)
The Rodelas family’s lawyer, Atty. Pete Princepe, added, ““Ang inaasahan namin diyan ay ‘yung automatic review ng Supreme Court kasi mababasa naman doon sa record ang matitibay at malalakas na ebidensya ng prosekusyon.”
(What we are expecting is an automatic review by the Supreme Court because the record will show that the prosecution had a strong case.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News
