Buenafe still hopes Joavan changes

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Police Director Sr. Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe continues to hope for the “full rehabilitation” of Joavan Fernandez who has once again hogged the headlines after being involved in two consecutive incidents after months of silence. 

The city director said that Joavan, adopted son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, needs the continuous support of those who are close to him so that he can fully rehabilitate from his sinister past.

“Ang tao, ganon talaga, may tendencies na magpabadlong that is why if he needs advice, we can do so,” he said. 

He said that it is natural for anyone to suddenly revert back to their accustomed ways because of the lack of supervision and willpower.

“Maybe it’s the right time that he needs more encouragement to reform. Mao nga we are very willing to help because it’s for the common good,” he said.

Buenafe further said that like any other men, Joavan who considers him as a “mentor,” deserves a second chance and with the same opportunity, can understand his faults and grow from it. 

“Habang nabubuhay ang tao may pag-asa that is why we always look at the possibility that they will reform, having this hope nga maayo gyud sila,” he said. 

Buenafe said that Joavan has become a “key personality in our society” and that everyone is waiting for what he would do next.

However, he clarified, that if Joavan will violate any laws, he will fully face the consequences of his acts regardless of his societal status and his relation to him.  

His concern for Joavan started when he took the initiative in being the “big brother or mentor” of Joavan by giving him advices on how to rehabilitate his life towards peaceful living. 

Last July, Buenafe and Joavan conducted a feeding program with the CCPO for the city’s street children.

During the program, the director cited Joavan as an example of a person who simply needs the proper approach and opportunity to change like those kids they were feeding.

To recall, Talisay City Traffic enforcer Marlorence Monreal complained last Monday after Joavan allegedly threatened to kill him over a traffic violation.    

The following day, Joavan allegedly hit Regie Aranas on the head with a liquor bottle inside a fast-food chain at Barangay Tabunok, Ta-lisay City.

Both Monreal and Aranas have not filed formal complaints against Joavan.

However, on Wednesday, Supt. Eddie Recamara, chief of the Ta-lisay City Police Office promised to file the necessary charges against Joavan if both victims will not show up to press charges. (FREEMAN)