Joavan free after posting bail

CEBU, Philippines - Joavan Fernandez, the controversial adopted son of Talisay Mayor Socrates Fernandez, was released yesterday afternoon after posting bail.

Joavan’s lawyer, George Bragat, said Joavan’s bail was set at P300,000. P200,000 for illegal drugs, P60,000 for illegal firearms, and the P40,000 for the drug paraphernalia allegedly found inside his vehicle when he was arrested.

He added that a surety bond from a bonding company they earlier asked paid the bond.

PO1 Cerge Maceren of Highway Patrol Group-7 said that as of 5 p.m. yesterday Joavan had already been released from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 detention cell.

Maceren also said that three of the four companions of Joavan who were arrested with him last Tuesday were also later released.

The police official said that Wilfredo Vega, Mark Ryan Alcover, and Quazar Quiachon were also able to post bail yesterday afternoon.

However, Alinor Andingan, who police later found out had a pending warrant of arrest for illegal drugs, remains detained at the CIDG-7.

Joavan and his four other companions were charged for illegal possession of firearm, illegal drugs, and paraphernalia, and disobedience to person in authority.

Joavan was pulled over last Tuesday after going against traffic and using a siren on his way to Lapu-Lapu City allegedly to fetch his father from the airport. Highway Patrol Group-7 personnel searched his vehicle and reported finding a gun, drugs and drug paraphernalia. — Niña G. Sumacot/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)