Talisay City, Cebu – Police Friday filed charges of robbery with homicide, a non-bailable offense, against the four suspects who allegedly robbed and killed a Catholic priest this week.

Talisay City Prosecutor Marcial Rubia said he will file the charges before the Regional Trial Court after finding probable cause to charge alleged mastermind Junas Turawan, gunman Russell Ravanes, Gerard Tradio, 18, and the 15-year-old boy who all admitted participation in robbing and killing Fr. Jovencio Rabusa.

Rubia said police were able to establish a solid case, gathering strong evidence and witnesses who all filed affidavits against the four.

“This is a very strong case and the police were able to gather witnesses and evidence that will pin down the four suspects,” he said.

Rubia said the 15-year-old boy was included in the charge sheet after personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which conducted background evaluation on the minor, expressed belief “he acted with discernment.”

Rubia said it will be up to the court to determine the boy’s liability and where he should be jailed.

Fr. Rabusa, 46, was walking at the South Road Properties in Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City at past 8 p.m. Monday when he was blocked by the suspects. The robbers shot the priest thrice when he refused to hand over his two old mobile phones.

The morning after the crime, police arrested Tradio who admitted helping the other suspects sell the victim’s mobile phones.

But witnesses said Tradio was at the crime scene.

The 15-year-old boy surrendered to the police and revealed the identities of the other two suspects.