Joavan pleads not guilty to gun possession

CEBU, Philippines - Joavan Fernandez, the controversial adopted son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Commission on Elections gun ban.

Yesterday, Fernandez assisted by his lawyer George Bragat, was arraigned before Regional Trial Court Judge Douglas Marigomen.

The charges came after Joavan allegedly pointed a gun at nurse Vincent Joe Castrodes, 28, a resident of F. Llamas St., Cebu City, when the latter’s BMW almost collided with Joavan’s red Isuzu Big Horn last year.

Fernandez was arrested after Castrodes complained that Joavan pointed a gun at him at the height of their argument in Barangay Bulacao.

Castrodes was driving with his BMW and heading south when the Bighorn came out of the gate of the Vista Grande Subdivision.

Castrodes beeped his horn after the Bighorn suddenly blocked his way that causes Joavan to get angry.

Castrodes said Joavan got out of the vehicle then pointed a gun at him before returning to his vehicle then leaving the area.

He said he then rushed to the Talisay City Police Station in Barangay Poblacion to report the incident. (FREEMAN)