INNOCENT.
This was how lawyer-broadcaster and rape suspect Juril Patiño’s wife Lilibeth described him in her Facebook post, which also carried her appeal to the public to avoid judging and condemning him right away.
“You do not know the story behind this fabricated case against him. I know he is innocent and falsely charged of a crime he could not commit. I know how good he is as a person. I can vouch for him,” read a portion of Lilibeth’s message.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 caught Patiño while he was submitting pleadings at the Cebu City Hall of Justice on Monday afternoon, July 22, 2019.
The arrest of Patiño came two years after his indictment. A 13-year-old girl had accused him of rape on July 13, 2017.
Rape is a non-bailable case. However, the accused can file a petition and ask the court to grant him bail.
Patiño earlier denied the allegation against him, saying he would not risk his reputation by committing a crime.
Lilibeth said her husband believes that the events in his life are “God’s way” of making him an instrument that would end injustice.
She also thanked the persons who believe in her husband’s innocence.
“I know your support would give strength, not only to Atty. Juril, but also to his family, relatives and friends in these dark moments,” she said.
NBI 7 Director Tomas Enrile said Patiño was arrested by virtue of the arrest warrant issued by Cebu City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 20 Judge Marlon Moneva.
The court will issue an order committing Patiño to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility, only after the accused is presented before the court and the arrest warrant is returned. (WBS)