THE court, after issuing an arrest warrant against the alleged mastermind of the killing of Jude Wal II, issued a hold departure order against Architect Joseph Marrero.
Two of the accused in the killing of Jude Wal II, on Thursday, also pleaded not guilty to charges of murder.
Regional Trial Court Branch 3 Presiding Judge Fernando Vil Pamintuan ordered the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to include Marrero in its hold departure list. His picture and a description of his physical features were likewise sent to the BI.
The pre-trial conference of the case is scheduled next month.
Meanwhile, an anonymous letter was sent to lawyer Pablito Sanidad warning him not to dip his fingers in the case by giving advice to Marrero.
The letter came from a certain Elmer Dimaguiba of the Kapatiran ng Masang Pilipino. The letter was unsigned.
Sanidad is accused of influencing decisions made by the Court of Appeals in other cases that involve Marrero. He said he has nothing to do with the case not did he handle any case that involved the beleaguered architect.
Sanidad said it is not fair to be dragged in an issue that he has nothing to do about.
“Lawyers, like doctors and other professionals only do their duties to clients and patients.” He said they should not be identified with the cause or cases of their clients.
Although not new to receiving threats as he handled controversial cases such as the Bingbong Crisologo and the Estrada impeachment cases, among others, Sanidad said he finds it ironic to be receiving warning when he has no involvement in the case. (Rimaliza Opiña)