Sonny readies money to bail 39 farmers out

CEBU, Philippines - Former Senator John “Sonny” Osmeña confirmed paying the bail of the 39 farmers who were detained after a commotion with the group and the police over a disputed lot in Aloguinsan, southwestern Cebu.

The Regional Trial Court in Toledo City recommended the bail of P700,000 for the temporary liberty of all the detainees.

Osmeña told The FREEMAN that the lawyer of the farmers was able to convince the court to reduce the amount by half, to P351,000.

Osmeña said he did not know if the money was already received by the court but he already gave it yesterday to Arman Perez of Bayan Muna.

Osmeña earlier visited 19 old women with one minor detained at Pinamungajan detention cell; 11 men in Toledo City; six in Balamban and two minors in Aloguinsan.

He made true his promise to help them in putting up bail.

Despite the legal moves of the defense counsels to release immediately the 36 farmers and three students from the University of the Philippines (UP), however, Executive Judge Hermes Montero has yet to sign the court decision.

Defense lawyer Ian Manticajon filed yesterday a motion for reduction of bail before Montero of the Regional Trial Court Toledo City Branch 59.

Manticajon said their motion was also heard yesterday.

He added that according to the clerk of court of Branch 59, the decision on the motion for reduce the bail was ready but it Judge Montero has yet to sign it.

“We are hoping we can post bail today for the temporary liberty for our clients,” he said.

Manticajon said the recommended bail bond for direct assault was P12,000 and P2,000 for resisting arrest. He said they sought for the reduction of bail into P7,000 each.

The defense lawyer said the charges filed against their clients have no legal basis and added they will file counter-charges against the police officers.

Meanwhile, two cases were filed before the RTC Toledo City yesterday against Jason Engarcial, Nelson Engarcial, Terry Obtina, Lilia Engarcial, Jino Jilwano, Amita Tumulak, Adelaida Alcos, Behamia Maurin, Merlyn Engarcial, Filicidad Lausa, Alejandra Pañares, Teresa Nengasca, Eremias Nengasca, Ramil Engarcial, Cerilo Engarcial, Jimmy Obtina, Susan Elaria, Andrea Quiño, Rosalinda Bayadog, Jeanalyn Hilaria, Jevelyn Hilaria, Susan Alcos, Arlene Ordanesa, Romeo Ordanesa, Adelina Tumulak and Ramelo Arnaiz.

The accused were arrested last Monday after they allegedly tried to prevent the fencing of a private property of the Gantuangco family.  (FREEMAN)