Ram Revilla
Ram Revilla | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ramgen Jose M. Bautista February 12, 1989 |
| Died | October 28, 2011 (aged 22) |
| Cause of death | Murder |
| Other names | Ram Revilla, Ramgen Revilla |
| Occupation(s) | Matinee idol, actor, model |
| Years active | 2004–2011 |
| Parent(s) | Ramon Revilla, Sr. Genelyn Magsaysay |
| Family | Bong Revilla (half-brother) Ramona Belen Ragene Anne Ragelyn Gail Ram Joshua Ramon Joseph (RJ) Raphael Julius Reuben Jesse Ramlyn Gabrielle |
Ram Revilla (February 12, 1989 – October 28, 2011), born Ramgen Jose Magsaysay Bautista,[1] also known as Ramgen Revilla, was a Filipino actor best known for his roles in various Filipino television series including his role as Jeff Gatdula in Tonyong Bayawak.
The murder of Ram Revilla happened on October 28, 2011 approximately around 11:30pm. He was declared dead on arrival at the Parañaque Medical Center after being shot and stabbed in their family residence. [2] Up to now there is no clear evidence to who was the real gunman and the real mastermind.
Personal life
Ramgen Jose Magsaysay Bautista (popularly known as Ram Revilla) was born in Imus, Cavite to actor and former Philippine Senator Jose A. Bautista (Ramon Revilla, Sr.) and Genelyn Magsaysay. His name Ramgen is derived from the first names of his father and mother - Ramon & Genelyn. He is one of 72 children of Revilla, Sr. and also a half-brother of actor and incumbent Philippine Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr..
Revilla had followed his father's and brother's footsteps, landing roles on television when he was just 14 years old.
Ram Revilla or just "Ramgen" to what his family often calls him is the eldest among the 9 children, he is followed by Ma. Ramona Belen, Ma. Ragene Anne, Ma. Ragelyn Gail, Ram Joshua, Ramon Joseph, Raphael Julius, Reuben Jesse and the youngest, Ma. Ramlyn Gabrielle.
Murder of Ram Revilla
The Ram Revilla Murder Case is handled by Parañaque City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 274 that is presided by Hon. Judge Fortunito Madrona [3] under Criminal Case No.: 11-1169 || People of the Philippines vs RJB, et. al. [4]
The murder of Ram Revilla is a case that is sensationalized by the media that has reached several international countries besides the Philippines. It is widely read and watched by people especially due to its interesting plot.
A trial by publicity as they say [5]. As this case was even noted as the "Most Shocking Showbiz News" of 2011 as Ram Revilla is part of influential clans in the Philippines -the Revilla's and Magsaysay's. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has considered the case as "case closed" [6] said by Sr. Supt. Billy Beltran, Chief of Police of Parañaque City after identifying seven (7) suspects as of November 1, 2011 or only 3 days after the crime.
Primary suspects of his death according to the police investigation were his younger siblings [7]. [3] However, a person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty and convicted by a court of law. Charges against one of the siblings has been dropped for lack of evidence. [8] and others are still on trial.
Seven (7) people are now in trial. Although no strong evidence was given that they are in fact the masterminds in the death of the actor. RJB, RP and four (4) others that was said responsible for the murder are now under the Bureau of Jail and Management (BJMP) custody under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), [3] while RB left the country and now currently staying in Turkey with her husband. She is now under the Red Notice of Interpol. [3] [9] [10] Currently, the Philippines has no extradition treaty with Turkey. [11]
The real identity of the masked man wearing a Halloween mask remains mysterious. [3]
Death
Ram Revilla was murdered in their family residence at BF Homes in Parañaque City on October 28, 2011 with his younger sister Ramona and ex-girlfriend Janelle Manahan (Manahan) present in the crime scene.
Revilla sustained 11 stab wounds on his body and a gunshot to the left side of his chest.[12] and Manahan suffered 2 gunshots on her face and shoulder[13], while Ramona was left uninjured due to the fact that Ram Revilla was able to save them from further attacks by fighting and locking-up the door.
Citing a police report, Sen. Revilla, brother of the victim, said the gunman shot Ram Revilla with a .45 caliber gun and then stabbed him. [14]
October 28, 2011
The family of Ram Revilla scheduled a trip to Baguio City for Ram Joshua Bautista, a plebe, in Philippine Military Academy for his Recognition Day scheduled last Oct. 29, 2011 [15]. Revilla wasn't able to come since he has prior commitments that was scheduled beforehand.
As per Janelle Manahan's (Manahan) recollection in her statements and testimonies [16].
In the fateful night of Oct. 28, 2011, Revilla and Manahan was exercising at the 'lanai' or the exercise area of the family before they proceeded to Revilla's room (Page 87 [16]).
Revilla just finished showering while Janelle is on the dresser sitting infront of the mirror when Ramona knocked at the door to get Revilla's captured video to [17] , Manahan opened it and left it open (Page 41 [16]) , after around 5 minutes the assailant suddenly appeared, he didn't go inside the room, he was just by the door (Page 42 [16] ).
Manahan was seating on the chair facing the mirror and without any warning the assailant shot her right away. The first shot landed on her right shoulder and then when she looked at the assailant she was shot under her left eye (Page 96 [16]) [17], when she was shot twice, the assailant did not do anything for one minute, it was only when the gun man reacted when Revilla was able to run towards him after Ramona shouted to Revillaa that Manahan was shot (Page 74/89 [16]).
Ramona said she ducked and saw blood on the floor when she looked up, she saw Revilla wrestling with the gunman. [18]
Revilla and the assailant fought outside the door which prevented Manahan to see what's happening, during this time she was still seated infront of the mirror bowing down (Page 75 [16]).
The commotion lasted for about 5 minutes (Page 92 [16]). Ramgen retreated back to his room and slammed the door. The suspect's hand was hit and he was forced to retreat as Ramgen was able to lock the door, Ramona said. [19]
Janelle was now on the floor, still conscious. She asked Ramona to call for help but the latter, panicking, said she did not know who to call. Janelle said Ramona tried to call RJ but his cellphone was turned off. Ramona offered to drive Janelle and Revilla to the hospital but couldn’t find the keys to the car. She then left the house after. [20] [17]
When Ramona left she was able to close and lock the door, then closed the lights, the TV, the aircon, the electric fan, the lamp and then made sure then windows are locked in her weakened condition (Page 83 [16]).
She said help arrived probably 45 minutes after, she was just seated by the window and not trying to make any noise, she and Revilla wasn't moving at that time and she's unaware if Revilla is still breathing or not (Page 84 [16]).
When the help arrived she was able to walk to the ambulance while the others are getting Revilla to the stretcher to bring him to the ambulance. When they arrived at the Parañaque Medical she just walked towards the receptionist's chair and waited for another 10-15 minutes before Manahan approached a Nurse to inform that she was also injured (Page 104 [16]).
She was never treated the whole time for about two (2) hours because the hospital is waiting for parental consent (Page 105 [16]), when her relatives arrived her shoulder was stitched and they just cleaned her wounds (Page 106 [16]).
After that, she was rushed to Asian Hospital by Bong Revilla, a certain Marlon and Gigi (Page 107 [16]). She was never informed that Revilla is dead already at that time.
According to her estimation, the gun used when she was shot was a "black 9mm. with silencer" (Page 37 [16]). Before the incident they are not in a relationship anymore with Revilla.
Identity of the assailant
The assailant was wearing a mask (a Halloween mask, black and white) (Page 44 [16])
Manahan initially said on police investigation that the assailant was about 5'6" to 5'7" in height however she changed it to 5'8" when asked in court (Page 45 [16]).
The assailant is wearing a jacket color army green, medium built.
Early stages of Investigation
On October 30, 2011, a certain 'Ruel Puzon' walked into the Parañaque City Police Headquarters around dusk saying he knew something about the death of Ram Revilla.
He disclosed that their were several failed attempts to murder Revilla, however he insisted that he is only part of the murder plot but not of the execution as he backed-out and because of his testimony two (2) suspects were arrested and then followed by Revilla's brother[21].
Motive
The alleged motive of Revilla's death is 'sibling rivalry', according to reports, is due to a financial squabble among the siblings. [22] [23]
Initially the police reported the feud over the alleged Php 1,000,000.00 monthly allowance of the family, however Senator Ramon Bong Revilla refuted and denied that there was no Php 1,000,000.00 monthly allowance given to the family. [24]
Arrest & Surrender
Those arrested first were RFT and MJN on Oct. 30, 2011. [11]
And on the following day, Oct. 31, 2011 by RJB. [11] According to the media interview of the Parañaque City Chief of Police, Sr. Supt. Billy Beltran that they were just forced to arrest RJB as he was initially invited. [25].
On January 24, 2012, RP, accompanied by his lawyers, voluntarily surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)'s Special Investigation Division after the court issued a warrant for his arrest [26].
With regards to GV and NDC, the exact time of their supposed surrender or arrest remains unclear. However on Nov. 14, 2011 it was already reported that suspects GV and NDC are already in police custody, while the warrant of arrest was only ordered last Jan. 17, 2012. For the apparent reasons it was unclear, however, police denied that the couple are in their custody. [27] Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo confirmed to a media outlet that apparently the PNP lied. Lied regarding the apparent "surrender" of the two accused. And now, the highest official of the DILG confirmed that they indeed lied. [28]
Inquest
On Nov. 1, 2011, a Philippine National Holiday, a special inquest was held at the Parañaque City Prosecutors' Office. The inquest was handled by State Prosecutor Leah Roma. RJB waived his right for preliminary investigation. [3]
Furthermore, on a separate inquest proceedings under State Prosecutor Leah Roma, on Dec. 9, 2011, RP came for the Preliminary Investigation and submitted his counter-affidavit. In his counter-affidavit he denied any involvement in the crime. [29]
Also, due to the supplemental complaint of Manahan, GBF and HF was also charged due to the testimony of an accused, that the couple are the masterminds [30] however all charges against the couple has been dismissed.
Conspiracy charges
In criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime at some time in the future. Conspiracies may require that at least one overt act must also have been undertaken in furtherance of that agreement, to constitute an offense.
In this case all accused are charged with conspiracy to murder. As one after the another alllegedly participated as the mastermind, middleman, or just an accomplice.
However, what is clear is that some admitted that they knew something regarding the failed attempts to murder Revilla, but they do not know anything regarding the day when Revilla got murdered.
Firstly, in the present case police and the prosecution are saying that RFT and MJN are the gunmen, but when the seventh witness of the prosecution testified they are now trying to say that RJB is the hitman, since he was allegedly wearing the hitman's clothes.
Secondly, all witnesses failed to discern any personal knowledge in connection with the 'murder', and not the attempts.
Third, almost all witnesses when cross-examined by the defense have a lot of inconsistencies in their statements and testimonies.
Arraignment
The arraignment for Criminal Case Nos. 11-1169/70 for 'Murder and Frustrated Murder' was originally scheduled last Nov. 16, 2011, however due to the pending resolution of the "motion to quash" of an accused, the hearing was reset and was rescheduled on Jan. 17, 2012.
On Jan. 17, 2012, RJB, RFT, MJN, all pleaded "NOT GUILTY".
On January 30, 2012, RP, GV, and NDC all pleaded "NOT GUILTY".
Pre-Trial
Hold Departure Order (H.D.O.): On February 3, 2012 all accused were present on the hearing regarding the Hold Departure Order with no objections from the defense.
March 1, 2012, the original date set for the pre-trial, however due to the extent of the evidence both parties agreed to set a date for the pre-markings of the evidence. All suspects were present except Ramgen's sister, RB, who is in abroad.
- That day, RJB said in an interview that although RB was not present, he is ready to face the case. "We can do it. We can find justice for my brother and my family." [31] He said.
March 15, 2012, the next pre-trial set date. The public prosecutor is not present and was rescheduled again on March 19, 2012. March 19, 2012, 'all pre-marked evidence accepted'.
Ocular: The prosecution and defense agreed to have an ocular inspection at the crime scene which was set on April 10, 2012, however due to some lapse [32] the ocular was reset on April 17, 2012.
- April 17, 2012, the ocular 'pushed through' with Janelle Manahan reenacted the events that transpired. Also, the court did a walk-through around the house and measured the distance from the village gate.[33]
Trial
The trial for the petition for bail started May 2, 2012. A total of 7 prosecution witnesses aired their sides for the supposed crime.
Prosecution Witness
- First witness of the prosecution is Senior Police Officer 4 Charlie Bayoca of the Philippine National Police.
- 'Testimony date: May 2 and 21, 2012'
Senior Police Officer 4 (SPO4) Bayoca, one of the police officers who apprehended the two (2) accused, RFT and MJN. [34]
He only testified that he was part of the team who arrested the two (2) accused. Also, that he was present during the 'interrogation' of the star witness, Ruel Puzon. [34]
- Second witness of the prosecution is Ruel Puzon
- 'Testimony date: June 5, 19, July 17, July 24, and Sept. 18, 2012'
Ruel Puzon, the star witness of the prosecution, revealed a lot of allegations regarding the death of Ram Revilla. [35] However, said fact that he does not have any personal knowledge as to what transpired on the evening of Oct. 28, 2011, just the failed attempts. [36]
He testified that on Oct. 12, 2011, he was visited at his home by suspects GV, MJN, NDR and a certain "Brian", while inside a vehicle, the four supposedly narrated their foiled attempt to kill Revilla that morning. He said that on early morning of Oct. 12, MJN and RFT went to the home of Revilla in BF Homes, Parañaque City allegedly to kill Revilla. However, the attempt failed since when the gunmen knocked on Revilla's room they heard a gun cock then they aborted the plan. [35]
- That same day, he also allegedly witnessed the act of this certain "Brian" commanding RFT to return the .45 caliber gun since he will be replaced. He said, he witnessed the gun being returned to NDC, however upon cross-examination in court, he changed his answer, that he saw the gun being returned to "Brian".
And on Oct. 14, 2011, MJN went to Puzon's house and then called a person called as "Brian" to ask for money. Moments after, "Brian" arrived with an 'unidentified male' with money amounting to P19,000 [35] , which turned out to be RJB.
And on Oct. 17, 2011, MJN, "Brian", and Puzon went to Revilla's residence to do some surveillance Puzon told police investogators that this "Brian" allegedly called up RJB to ask for Revilla’s plate number. [35] However, in his testimony in court, he changed the persons he was with, instead of being with MJN and "Brian" he is now with NDC and "Brian".
And finally, on Oct. 19, 2011, this was the 'last meeting' with Puzon. Puzon testified that after this alleged meeting the group never contacted him ever again, even after that he should be the replacement gunman. [35] When the judge find some of what he is saying hard to believe he asked the witness, "are you lying?" [37]
- Puzon told the police that the gunmen, RFT and MJN were to be paid Php 200,000. And GV and NDR's role was to monitor the movements of Revilla. [35] He also stated that he was only doing this as an act, that he has no intention to be the replacement gunman, that he will only swindle the money given to him. However, after his giving his testimonies and statements it somehow revealed to have a lot inconsistencies. He also testified that he received a "Christmas gift" worth Php 15,000 from Chief of Intelligence of the Parañaque Police, Police Chief Inspector Ferjen Torred last Dec., 2011. [38]
- Third witness of the prosecution is Ronald Flores Ancajas, the guard and aide of Ram Revilla.
- 'Testimony date: Sept. 4, 2012'
He testified that on the night of the murder of Revilla, that he never heard anything as he was sleeping. And that he allegedly only noticed Revilla's siblings RJB and RB walking towards the village's exit, walking just meters apart. [3] [39]
However, it was revealed during the ocular inspection last April 17, 2012 that it is 'physically impossible' [40] to see from his room people walking towards the village's gate. And he was just awaken by the security guard of the village, Niño Tabada, at around 12:40am when the body of Revilla was sent to the hospital (page 56 [41]). He also testified that he received reward money in part of the Php 500,000.
- Fourth witness of the prosecution is Dr. Dominic Aguda, the medico-legal officer who performed Revilla's autopsy and other examinations.
- 'Testimony date: Oct. 9, 2012' [42]
- Fifth witness of the prosecution is Janelle Manahan, the 'former girlfriend' of Revilla.
- 'Testimony date: Oct. 23, Nov. 6 / Dec. 6 (Reset) - Manahan is allegedly in Europe, Dec. 11, 2012, Feb. 26 (Reset) - Manahan is absent [43] , March 19 (Reset), March 26 (Reset) - Manahan is absent and April 2, 2013'
On Oct. 23, 2012, Manahan just narrated what happened during that fateful night and also detailed some possible motives of the principal masterminds. [44] She detailed that Revilla hurts his siblings and that she is also a battered girlfriend. [45]
Manahan said he only implicated the siblings as according to what she noticed that she failed to discern any emotional manifestations on the siblings. [46].
- The sixth witness of the prosecution is Sheridan Embat (Embat)
- 'Testimony date: Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, 2012'
The prosecution said that this witness was the first principal "connector" between the middleman "alias Brian" and the gunmen.
- A lawyer of the defense said that Sheridan Embat should also be charged since he admitted that he is an accessory to the crime. [47]
In the affidavit he submitted to Assistant City Prosecutor Leah Roma, Embat claimed that he and RP met on Sept. 26, 2011 [47] at a birthday party. [48]
He alleged that RP asked him if he knew a hitman, and right then and there he gave RFT's number. [48]
On Oct. 12, Embat said that he was present when Pastera gave Php 50,000 to RFT to buy the equipment he needed for killing Bautista, including a motorcycle. [48]
He said that he was promised to be paid Php 200,000.00 as a finder's fee and Php 800,000.00 up to Php 1,000,000.00 for the hired killer/s [47]. Although after giving details of the said "gunman" he does not know anything anymore after he gave the number of the said gunman. He volunteered to be a witness as he was bothered by his conscience.
- The seventh and last witness 'in regards to the petition for bail' of the prosecution is Niño Tabada.
- 'Testimony date: March 12 and 19, 2013'
As per Niño Tabada's (Tabada) recollection in his statements [49] and testimonies [41]. [50].
Niño Tabada, one of the security guards of the village where the crime happened. He said he was a roving guard from 8:00pm to 8:00am on Oct. 28, 2011 (Page 1, No. 5 [49]). He said he conducted roving at 10:00pm inside the village that night and ended at 10:45pm (Page 17 [41]). And when he was returning to his post he allegedly saw RJB going towards the village's exit (Page 19 [41] ) he said, he was "weird" and wearing a long sleeves and maong jeans (Page 3, No.29 [49]). He saw RJB going out at exactly 10:54pm (Page 3, No.23 [49]). The ordinary long sleeves looks like fatigue, green, fitted and looks like a corduroy (Page 23 [41]).
He said the patrol mobile of the police came at 12:15am, (Page 1, No. 9 [49]). since someone called 117. They proceeded to the house and went to the maid and driver's quarters where the aide of Revilla resides, Ronald Ancajas, however he is 'still fast asleep' (Page 54 [41]) despite the noise they created by slamming the gate and shouting (Page 2, No.11 [49]) then they proceeded upstairs since they heard a voice of a female asking for help (page 53 [41] ). Ancajas was awaken at around 12:40am by Tabada (page 56 [41] ). He also witness Ancajas coming in the village at around 9:30/45pm with a plastic bag (Page 58/59 [41] )
According to his sworn statement from the police dated Oct. 29, 2011 and when subjected to cross examination by the defense, his credibility shattered when he admitted that he did not 'really conducted a roving activity within the village'. (Page 4, No.38 [49]) He also testified that he received Php 20,000 and an additional Php 5,000 after his testimony (Page 29 [50]).
Timeline
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Anak Ka ng Tatay Mo | - | First movie appearence |
| 2005 | Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom | - | Credicted as Ramboy Revilla |
| 2007 | Resiklo | Council 3 | Credicted as Ramgen Revilla/Last movie appearence |
TV shows
| Year | Title | Role | Note | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–08 | Kamandag | Harn | Recurring Role/First TV appearance | GMA Network |
| 2010 | Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla: Tonyong Bayawak | Jeff Gatdula | Recurring Role/Last TV appearance | ABS-CBN |
References
- ^ Manilla Bulletin: Ram Revilla's interment set
- ^ Ram Revilla killed
- ^ a b c d e f g Ram Revilla Murder Case
- ^ Case handled by Judge Madrona
- ^ Ramgen Revilla case and court of public opinion
- ^ Ram Revilla murder Case closed
- ^ Revilla case suspects
- ^ Raps vs Ramgen's sister and husband junked
- ^ Interpol Red Notice
- ^ Ramona in Turkey
- ^ a b c Ram Revilla Murder Case details
- ^ Philippines Inquirer: Son of former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. killed in Paranaque
- ^ Janelle Manahan shot 2 times
- ^ Ram Revilla shot with a .45 caliber
- ^ Going to PMA
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q [December 11, 2012 at 8:30am, Transcript of Stenographical Notes (TSN): 123 pages]
- ^ a b c Janelle's side
- ^ Ram wrestled with assailant
- ^ Suspect's hand hit by the door
- ^ Ramona tried to help
- ^ Revilla's brother arrested
- ^ Dispute over 1 million
- ^ Financial dispute
- ^ Revilla denied 1m allowance
- ^ RJ's arrest illegal
- ^ Suspect surrenders to NBI
- ^ Visda and dela Cruz in Police custody
- ^ v=dXFB6H135Qk Video showing Sec.Robredo admitting PNP lied
- ^ Pastera denies allegations
- ^ Third sibling implicated in Revilla's murder
- ^ "We can do it. We can find justice for my brother and my family." RJ said.
- ^ Ocular reset over lapse
- ^ Ocular pushed through
- ^ a b Charlie Bayoca incompetent
- ^ a b c d e f The murder's timeline based on witnesses
- ^ Puzon no personal knowledgeno
- ^ Judge's asked witness "are you lying"
- ^ Revilla witness just in for the money
- ^ Ancajas allegedly saw siblings walk out
- ^ Ocular pushed through
- ^ a b c d e f g h i [People of Phils. vs RJB, et. al., March 12, 2013 at 8:30am, Transcript of Stenographical Notes (TSN): 63 pages]
- ^ Medico-Legal details Ram's wounds
- ^ again
- ^ became emotional
- ^ Manahan says she was a battered gf
- ^ No sign of emotion
- ^ a b c Embattle should be charged
- ^ a b c Sheridan Embattle statement
- ^ a b c d e f g Sworn Statement of Niño Tabada, taken last Oct. 29, 2011 by Police Officer 2 Encallado, 4 pages
- ^ a b [People of Phils. vs RJB, et. al., March 19, 2013 at 8:30am, Transcript of Stenographical Notes (TSN): 62 pages]
External links
- Ram Revilla at IMDb