Thursday, October 16, 2008
Incomplete papers stall application of Joavan ‘victims’
INCOMPLETE documents have stalled the endorsement of Osbert Abellana’s application for government protection as he pursues his case against Joavan, the son of Talisay mayor Socrates Fernandez.
Regional State Prosecutor II Graeme June Elmido said yesterday that without complete documents, 21-year-old Osbert’s application, as well as that of his father, Oscar, cannot be sent to the Department of Justice (DOJ) central office.
Elmido evaluates applications for the Witness Protection Program (WPP) and endorses these to Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, who approves or denies the applications.
Among the lacking papers is a recommendation from “the proper government agency”. In a minor’s case, this may be the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Recommendation
In the Abellanas’ case, recommendation may come from the Talisay police or the Talisay Prosecutor’s Office, Elmido said.
However, Elmido added that what he really needs to see are the sworn statements of the applicants. He said he already asked for copies of these.
The sworn statements are included in the files in the serious illegal detention case against Joavan. The case was raffled off to Regional Trial Court Judge Manuel Patalinghug.
Ready
On Oct. 23, Joavan and his co-accused, among whom are two minors, will enter their plea in an arraignment.
Indicted along with Joavan and the two minors were Benedict Gabasa, 26; Mark Perez, 24; Teodoro Ligaray, 19.
Elmido said that the Talisay police escorts who accompanied the Abellanas in applying for the WPP had promised to hand in the documents early this week.
Osbert and Oscar sought government protection last Thursday, Oct. 9, bringing with them their backpacks. They told reporters that they were ready for whatever lifestyle changes they will have to make once under the WPP. (KAB)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (October 16, 2008 issue)
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