Reynes ambush: Court to resolve petitions today

CEBU, Philippines – The Regional Trial Court yesterday submitted for resolution the petitions for writ of habeas corpus and writ of amparo filed by the wife of a habal-habal driver who was arrested along with his son in relation to the murder of former Compostela Mayor Joselito Reynes and illegal possession of firearms, respectively.

RTC Judge Douglas Marigomen set the two petitions for resolutions after hearing the case yesterday. Regional Special Operations Group-7 chief Romeo Santander took the witness stand yesterday to defend their arrest of Dominador Villoria, Sr. and his son Dominador, Jr.

Santander, who was named one of the respondents of the petitions along with Police Regional Office-7 chief Lani-O Nerez, said that their arrest of the Villorias was legal because it falls under hot pursuit operation.

Santander claimed that Villoria Sr. was identified as one of the lookouts in the ambush-slaying of Reynes. When the police conducted surveillance operations against him, he was allegedly seen carrying a .357 magnum revolver prompting the police to pursue him.

Dominador, Sr. ran inside his house and refused to let the police in prompting them to break the door. In the process the police saw Dominador, Jr. inside the house in possession of a Caliber .45 pistol. The suspects however protested their arrests.

Lucia, assisted by Lawyer Rex Fernandez, filed the petitions for writ of habeas corpus and writ of amparo questioning the legality of the arrest. (THE FREEMAN)