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Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Suspect to stay silent today
When the court asks him today if he’s guilty, the suspected gunman of radio broadcaster George Benaojan will not say anything, his lawyer said.
Unlike in yesterday’s arraignment when he pleaded not guilty to another murder case, Jinky Jagdon will keep silent today to protest the charges, his lawyer Rameses Villagonzalo said.
Villagonzalo also represented Jagdon yesterday over charges he killed Pahina Central barangay tanod Felix delos Santos on Aug. 18, 2002.
Jagdon pleaded not guilty of murder during his arraignment before Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 18 Judge Enriqueta Belarmino.
Confusion
During the arraignment, there was confusion about the name of the accused. The information named the accused as Dinky Recla also known as Dinky Jagdon.
Villagonzalo corrected it to Jinky Jagdon, which he said is the real name of the accused.
The same confusion happened when Jagdon surrendered to authorities last month in relation to the Benaojan murder.
The arrest warrant said Roberto “Dinky” Recla Jagdon. But the accused said his real name is Jinky Jagdon, while his nickname is Michael.
Villagonzalo said the issue about names will be raised during Jagdon’s defense in both murder charges.
“This just means that wala kaila ang witness sa real culprit, gimata-mata ra nila,” Villagonzalo told reporters.
Jagdon was identified as the man who shot Benaojan last Dec. 1 near the latter’s stall at the Talisay Central Market.
“There are two victims here (in the Benaojan murder), the broadcaster and Jagdon, who is a victim of frame-up,” said Villagonzalo.
In response, they will protest the charge by keeping silent in today’s arraignment before RTC Branch 21 Judge Eric Menchavez.
Silence, though, is tantamount to a plea of not guilty.
“It is equivalent to not guilty, but it signifies our objection and protest to the charges,” said Villagonzalo.
Uphill battle
Villagonzalo described Jagdon’s involvement in the cases as rooted in something “deep.” He didn’t elaborate so as not to expose their defense. But he said it “involves bad elements in the society whose activities were deterred by Jagdon.”
Villagonzalo admitted the case is an uphill battle for them. He said he still has to gather witnesses.
Jagdon was a former boxer and was involved in raising fighting cocks before his arrest. (JGA)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 22, 2006 issue)
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