Warrant issued vs. Joavan for skipping conference

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City's Municipal Trial Court in Cities judge Mario Manayon yesterday issued a bench warrant against Joavan Fernandez after he missed yesterday's scheduled pre-trial conference for his grave threats case.

It was city assistant prosecutor Floralil Lucero-Albert who moved that Joavan, the controversial son of Talisay Mayor Socrates Fernandez, be issued a warrant after he and his lawyer George Bragat did not show up and gave no reason at all for their absence from yesterday's conference.

The conference was set so the judge can lay down some basic rules before the trial actually starts.

The case was in relation to the June 24 incident in front of Vista Grade Subdivision in barangay Bulacao, Talisay, where Joavan allegedly pointed a gun at reg-istered nurse Vincent Joe Castrodes after a traffic altercation.

Castrodes said he was happy with the judge's decision saying it will ensure that he is going to show up for the next conference. The trial is set for September 23.

Following that incident, Joavan was also charged for violation of the Commission on Elections gun ban after police found a .45 cal. pistol and 13 live rounds in-side his Isuzu Trooper during a legal search.

This case is now pending before the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City. He has, however, posted bail for his temporary liberty. (FREEMAN)