Man files habeas corpus vs. barangay captain, 2 cops

CEBU, Philippines – A barangay captain and two policemen are set to appear in court today following a petition for habeas corpus filed by a man who claimed they detained his son for more than 12 hours, which is over the required period for oral defamation.

Gideon Antonio of Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City, prayed that Kamputhaw barangay captain Lorenzo Basamot, Chief Insp. Arnel Banzon and SPO4 Mario Revilla be directed to appear in court and explain why his son was still detained despite the minor offense of oral defamation. Antonio said that his son Ramonito was arrested by Basamot around 1:30 p.m. on March 29 and later turned him over to Banzon and Revilla at the Fuente Police Station.

On March 31 at 10 p.m., Gideon said that their legal counsel Fritz Quiñanola acted for Ramonito’s release considering that it was 12 hours already but the respondents did not release his son.

Antonio said that they have exerted all efforts through their counsel and that they have no other remedy in protecting the rights of his son but through applying for a Writ of Habeas Corpus. — AJ de la Torre/BRP (THE FREEMAN)