Bomb suspect welcomes move to transfer case trial

Sunday, February 12, 2012

DAVAO CITY – Temogen "Cocoy" Tulawie, tagged in May 2009 bombing in Patikul, Sulu, is amenable to the petition of Sulu governor against him before any court in Metro Manila.

He described Tan's move as "just a delaying tactic."

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"Hindi po natin pinoproblema kung ipapadala sa Manila, okay lang sa akin ‘yun. Mukhang delaying tactic lang talaga ito (I’m not worried to have my case transferred to Manila. It’s a delaying tactic)," Tulawie said in an interview, adding that he will abide by the decision of the Supreme Court (SC).

Tulawie also described Tan's accusation that he has "influence" on two active human rights groups in Davao City, the Mindanao Peoples Caucus and International Solidarity Conference, as a "drama".

The two non-government organizations are led by prominent personalities in the city, including church leaders.

"Siguro totoo na may impluwensya kasi marami ang nakikinig sa kanila. Peace advocates ito sila, siguro may influence pero ito ay dahil sa advocacy nila (They are influential because of most of the members are peace advocates)," Tulawie, human rights advocate, said.

Tulawie said he is confident that Regional Trial Court (RTC) Executive Judge Pelagio Paguican will still proceed with the raffling of case as ordered by the SC despite Tan's latest petition.

Meanwhile, Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, counsel of Tulawie, in a phone interview Sunday, said Tan's "excuses" are clearly manifested in his petition.

She said it is not true that there is no Zamboanga-Davao daily flights, saying there are actually two.

She said the petition of Tan was filed "without conformity with the public prosecutor."

She also explained that in every criminal case, the public prosecutor handles authority over the case.

Records showed that the petition for the transfer of venue from RTC Davao to any RTC in Manila was filed through the complainant's counsel Wendell Sotto.

"Every day of delay is injustice," Arnado said. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)