Friday, April 20, 2007 Balisong causes 'battle of charges' By Suzette T. Quingco
IF THE policemen are claiming that the balisong (fan knife) reportedly taken from the possession of Clyde Villarete was not planted, the camp of re-electionist Monico Puentevella strongly believed the case has already been tainted by politics.
Though, lawyer Alex Abastillas, acting as counsel for Lakas-Kampi in Bacolod will file charges of arbitrary arrest and illegal detention to both the aresting civilians of Villarete and the policemen at Police Station 1 who put him to jail Wednesday morning.
Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director Ronilo Quebrar, said they also filed charges against Villarete for violation of City Ordinance 358 otherwise known illegal possession of bladed weapon.
It's up to the City Prosecutor's Office to determine probable cause on the case, stressed Quebrar, adding that based on their investigation the balisong was not "planted", Quebrar said.
Puentevella during Wednesday's press conference at Business Inn, said that it was clear from the case probers that there was a lull of 15 minutes before the arresting civilians - Ernesto Tagudeña, Retsy Cawaling, Francisco Hiceta and Manuel Lawrence Caraig, presented the balisong to the police.
"It was clear that said balisong was not taken from Villarete. So where's the violation there. Meaning, that balisong was planted in order to justify the move of these four arresting civilians," insisted Puentevella.
Quebrar, however, said, "I don't believe it (balisong) was planted. Because according to the complainants, that balisong was taken from Villarete's possession after he resisted arrest and attempted to stab one of the four arresting civilians."
Villarete has already out of jail after he posted bail for his temporary liberty Wednesday night. But Quebrar said that it will depend on the court to decide on the matter.
"What is important is that we filed a case and it's for Villaerete to defend himself in court. As to plan of the Puentevella camp to file charges against his policemen at Police Station 1, Quebrar said, "We are ready to face that charges. After all, my men only did their best."
As to the allegations that he was directed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia to answer that way, Quebrar said, "Nobody dictated me to do that way. I am independent and I am fair to everyone. And that is also my order to all my policemen."
