Ram’s GF undergoes facial reconstruction

Manila, Philippines – The girlfriend of slain actor Ramgen Revilla began undergoing facial reconstruction yesterday.

A report by radio dzMM said Janelle Manahan, who survived a bullet wound to the face, entered the holding room of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City at 6 a.m. She was transferred to the operating room an hour later.

The operation, meant to address Janelle’s facial fractures, was expected to last five to six hours. Six doctors are doing the operation on her.

Janelle was accompanied by her father Julius and other relatives.

Radio dzMM said the family was in high spirits despite the recent developments.

Janelle only learned of Ram’s death Saturday night.

The older Manahan refused to disclose if any member of the Revilla clan had already visited Janelle. He also did not say whether the influential family had given them financial assistance.

BRACE 6 TO 8 WEEKS
Manahan might have to wear a brace that would keep her from opening her mouth for six to eight weeks.

A radio dzBB report said the brace would be installed after her surgery yesterday.

Julius said the brace would only allow her to open her mouth slightly to accommodate food.

“Ang mabigat dito, kailangan magkaroon ng brace. May kaunting opening para makapasok ang pagkain, that will be from six to eight weeks,” Julius said over dzBB radio.

Julius said Janelle would get a bone graft from her rib and may not be able to talk until after eight weeks.

“Bawal sa kanya magsalita o simpleng magbuka ng bibig,” she said.

EMOTIONAL
Meanwhile, in an interview aired over GMA News’ “Unang Balita” yesterday, Julius said his daughter became very emotional after learning of Ram’s death but was now in a more stable condition.

“Medyo naglagay ng parang support sa ilong niya dahil posa patuloy na pagdurugo dahil sa sobrang pag-iyak kagabi. Maraming salamat din po sa mga panalangin. Somehow, medyo okay na po ang kalagayan niya,” he said

Janelle survived gunshots in the face and shoulder by armed men who broke into Ram’s home in BF Homes in Parañaque City last October 28.

Ram, however, died of multiple stab wounds and a bullet wound he suffered during the attack.

Janelle, in earlier statements to the police, said the masked gunmen barged into Ram’s home minutes after she opened the door for her boyfriend’s sister, Ramona Bautista.

Janelle added that she pleaded with Ramona to call an ambu lance but Ram’s sister never returned to the crime scene.

Ramona left the country on Friday night en route to Hong Kong, days after she and her brother, Ramon Joseph or “RJ,” were slapped with murder and frustrated murder complaints for the death of their brother and the wounds sustained by Janelle.

RJ was arrested by police on Monday last week.

Ramona and RJ are being accused of plotting the crime.

They were allegedly feuding with Ram over the division of their allowance from their father, ex-senator Ramon Revilla Sr.

Ramona, however, accused Ram’s personal assistant, Ronaldo Ancajas, of committing the crime, saying he has access to the house where the killing took place. Ancajas has denied Ramona’s accusation. (GMA News)