Dubai: A Filipino suspect arrested last week for allegedly beheading and dismembering his aunt in May has asked for a lawyer to represent him in court and will be provided with one, officials said on Tuesday.
Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes said he visited the suspect, G.S., in his 20s, at the Rashidiya police station to check on his condition. Cortes said the suspect was very healthy but that an air of melancholy surrounded him.
“I spoke to the suspect and he wanted to be assured that the government will extend legal assistance to him and we are definitely giving him the services of the consulate lawyer,” Cortes said.
“He’s in good shape. He’s just waiting for a resolution and trying to be strong.”
Dubai Police arrested the suspect on September 20 after he confessed to the crime of killing and decapitating his aunt, Maria Normita de Lima, 46, in May. Her headless body was found in Al Warqa’a and only identified after a three-month investigation.
Cortes said no information on the case was discussed during the meeting. The purpose of the visit was only to ascertain if he needed any help from the Philippine government.
“We’re extending assistance because they’re [suspect and victim] both Filipino. In our law, in our mandate to assist Filipinos, we do not discriminate whether a person is guilty or not of the crime he is being accused of. That’s not our job. Our job is to assist both parties.”
Cortes said they are arranging for the Dubai visit of Normita’s husband, Salvio, as they facilitate the repatriation of his wife’s remains once cleared by police.
Cortes said he also spoke to the suspect’s immediate family in order to provide them assistance, if needed.
“The suspect’s family can’t believe that he had done it. They find it improbable that a person as gentle as G.S. would do it. So, as far as the family is concerned, they maintain his innocence. But again, that will be up to the prosecution, up to the courts here to decide whether or not he is not guilty,” Cortes said.
