I was off to Boracay to spend the Halloween break when news of the Ramgen Revilla murder broke. My mind went into flashback mode.
The last time I was in Boradise for the Holy Week, I had a chance to bond with Bong and Lani Revilla and their family in Discovery Shores. They were in a state of total bliss then, which is the opposite of where they are now.
My heart goes out to the Revillas/Bautistas. It’s almost unthinkable how such a closely knit clan could be torn apart by a tragedy that could pass for a suspense-thriller blockbuster. But no, this is not one of Bong’s or Ramon Revilla Sr.’s hit movies. If only their legendary agimat could help them find the missing piece so that justice could immediately be served for Ram.
Lani’s tweets
As soon as I learned of the shocking news, I texted Lani to condole with her and the family. I can just imagine how distraught she and Bong are, being the heads of the clan. Here are two of Lani’s recent tweets (lanimrevilla@twitter.com):
“Lord may you spare the hearts of the innocent and punish those who murdered Ramgen.”
“Lord please touch Ramona Bautista’s heart. Her statements are vital in bringing peace once and for all to Ramgen.”
Questions, leads
Ramona’s sudden escape to Hong Kong raises many questions as it provides certain leads. Why was there no hold-departure order issued against her? Who helped her flee the country? Is Hong Kong her final destination or is she headed to a place where her whereabouts would be difficult to trace? Why don’t authorities just cancel her passport so she can’t go any farther?
As Bong himself said on TV, Ramona’s flight is an admission of guilt. It’s unfair to pinpoint Bong as the one who orchestrated her departure just because he happens to be a senator.
Just like any family, the Revillas have their conflicts but who are we to judge them? It’s tough enough that the Revillas’ domestic front has turned into a battlefront.
Bong’s statement
“I am asking the police to go much deeper in their investigation on the death of my late brother Ramgen Revilla and the frustrated murder of his girlfriend, Janelle Manahan. I want them to determine who are involved and responsible for this dastardly act of murder. Ramgen is more than a brother to me, as he was too close to us. He was like a son as he grew up with my boys Bryan and Jolo.
“The guilty must be punished! The unwarranted flight of Ramona Bautista is a sign of guilt that she has knowledge and direct participation in the commission of the crime. If there are others involved, be they my half brothers and sisters, they must bear the full force and weight of the law and suffer the penultimate consequences of their involvement either as principals, accomplices, or accessories, as the case may be.
“Likewise, I am also asking our police to investigate who are the people involved and facilitated Ramona Bautista’s flight outside of the country, and determine their legal accountability, if any.
“I will do everything within my power as a public servant that the rule of law must prevail, and justice must be served, regardless of whoever gets hurt.”
E-mail the author at wateringholeshangrila-@yahoo.com.