A REGIONAL Trial Court (RTC) has denied the petition for bail of former Bohol Provincial Board member Niño Rey Boniel, who was accused of killing his wife, the then Bien Unido, Bohol mayor Gisela Boniel, in 2017.

On June 7, 2019, Niño asked the court to release him on bail, claiming that the evidence of guilt was not strong.

RTC Judge Nathaniel Andal, in a resolution dated June 11, 2019, said the quantum of proof to establish the guilt of Niño beyond reasonable doubt was yet to be ascertained from the evidence of both the prosecution and the defense.

But the court found affirmation from the testimony of state witness Randel Lupas that the victims were deprived of their liberty when Niño ordered Lupas to fetch Gisela, who was with the mayor’s best friend Angela Leyson and the latter’s son, who is a minor, at the Tagbilaran port on June 6, 2017.

Lupas, who used to be a municipal driver of Bien Unido, testified on the instances prior to the time Gisela, Leyson and her son were forcibly taken in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

He also testified that Gisela was forcibly carried to board a motor banca before she was killed and thrown into the waters of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, while the Leysons were forcibly carried to board a fast craft to Cebu.

Aside from parricide charges, Niño is also facing kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges filed by Leyson and her son. (MVG)