ONE of the most wanted member of the New People's Army in Davao Region, accused of illegally detaining and robbing seven men and killing one of the captives, pleaded not guilty in an arraignment before sala of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Davao City Branch 17 on Wednesday.
Respondent Roberto Castillote, alias Ka Marque, of the NPA's Guerilla Front 54, through his legal counsel Rudy Alonzo of the Public Attorney's Office (PAO), pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, slight illegal detention and robbery.
RTC Branch 17 Judge Evalyn Arellano-Morales, in her order dated March 19, scheduled the preliminary conference on April 11 at 2 p.m. while the pre-trial conference will be held on April 30 at 8:30 a.m.
The complaint was filed by Paulino Landim Sr., father of the slain victim Paulino Landim Jr. The elder Landim, in his affidavit said, his son along with Albert Matundo, Cesar Agas, Albin Agas, Jelber Agas, Elmer Agas, Jubert Agas were hiking at Purok Mabanlas in Brgy. Carmen Baguio District on March 1.
While hiking, the victims chanced upon a group of communist rebels led by Castillote. Matundo was robbed of his binoculars and digital camera before he was released while the other victims were held at gunpoint and was taken to Purok 8 of the same barangay.
They were reportedly tried before the "people's court" where only Landim was found guilty of crimes against the community. Landim was taken to Purok 4, where he was gunned down by the respondent.
Castillote was arrested last March 7 and is detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology 11. He is also set for another arraignment before the sala of RTC Branch 16 today.
