Court issues arrest warrant vs. Joavan on robbery case

CEBU - The Regional Trial Court has recently issued a warrant of arrest against Joavan Fernandez in relation to the robbery case that was filed against him by a vulcanizing shop owner.

But since the controversial son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez is already detained at the Talisay City jail in barangay Maghaway, the warrant of arrest will no longer be served and the case is automatically scheduled for arraignment.

RTC Branch 20 Presiding Judge Bienvenido Saniel, who issued the warrant last Wednesday in relation to the robbery case filed by vulcanizing shop owner Merceditha Abellana against the younger Fernandez, will automatically conduct an arraignment of the case in January.

Saniel has recommended a bail of P100,000 for the temporary liberty of the accused. Merceditha had accused Joavan of stealing her TV set and DVD player last August.

Fernandez is presently detained at the Talisay City Rehabilitation and Detention Center for serious illegal detention charge filed against him by cousins Osbert and Winston Abellana, Merceditha’s nephews.

Merceditha had already withdrawn the robbery case but the city prosecutor’s office found probable cause to indict Joavan of the charge.

She earlier alleged that Joavan took her TV and DVD player, worth P24,000, after she failed to pay for the loss of the car tire that was left by Mayor Fernandez at her vulcanizing shop in barangay Tabunok for repair.

However, a few weeks after she lodged the criminal case, Merceditha eventually filed an affidavit of desistance.

Last month, Merceditha regained her appliances after the mayor’s driver allegedly returned them to her shop. The mayor even promised to continue paying for the TV set, which she had acquired through a loan.

But Joavan remains detained at the Talisay City jail for allegedly abducting and mercilessly mauling Osbert and Winston last August.

One of the complainants has, however, recanted his statements against the adopted son of the mayor. — Liv G. Campo and Jasmin R. Uy/WAB (THE FREEMAN)