Joavan, two pals charged

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Police Office yesterday filed criminal complaints against Joavan Fernandez and two of his buddies who were arrested during their latest caper wherein four police officers were hurt while trying to serve a warrant of arrest against the controversial adopted son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez.

Joavan and his buddies Benedict Gabasa and Terence Bayani were charged for possession of illegal drugs, damage to government property, attempted homicide and direct assault. Gabasa was also charged for driving without license.

The charges stemmed from the October 31 incident in Barangay Mabolo when Joavan and his buddies bumped a police patrol car to escape from the law enforcers who were trying to serve the warrant of arrest issued by Municipal Trial Court Judge Mario Manayon against Joavan for malicious mischief.

A team of policemen from the Talisay City Police Station assisted by the Cebu City policemen led by Chief Inspector George Ylanan blocked Joavan’s group in Mabolo when they received information that the accused was on his way to Cebu City from Compostela.

However, instead of yielding himself to the police officers, Joavan and his buddies sped off bumping a patrol car. Four policemen were injured during the incident and a brief chase ensued.

Gabasan and Bayani were subsequently arrested but Joavan eluded arrest. The policemen recovered illegal drugs from them including Nubain, a painkiller recently classified by the Dangerous Drugs Board as a dangerous drug. (FREEMAN)