Novena for Pique starts today

CEBU, Philippines - Today, the family of Ellah Joy Pique will start a novena to mark her first death anniversary.

Ellah Joy was six years old when she was kidnapped on Feb. 8, 2011 while she was on her way home from the Calajo-an Elementary School in Minglanilla town. She was found dead the following day in Barili town.

Reportedly the girl was last seen boarding an SUV with a Filipina and a Caucasian man inside.

Her father Renante Pique said after the nine day novena they will go to the Pardo Cemetery where Ellah Joy is buried.

Renante said it is natural for them to want their daughter back but since this is impossible they have to accept the fact that she is dead.

“All we do is to pray and pray for her soul,” he said.

He added he is optimistic that they can achieve justice for Ellah Joy.

Meanwhile, Provincial Prosecutor Jane Petralba said they will present less than ten witnesses for the bail hearings filed by the camp of Bella Ruby Santos, who, along with Briton Ian Charles Griffiths is accused of abducting and killing Ellah Joy.

She likewise said they will have to reserve witnesses for the rebuttal in order to contradict other evidence presented by the defense.

The next hearing is set for Feb. 13, 2012. – (FREEMAN)