Non-bailable offense to keep Joavan in jail

CEBU, Philippines - Because the case for illegal possession of explosives filed against him is non-bailable, Joavan Fernandez will have to stay in jail.

The police had filed three cases against the son of Talisay City mayor Socrates Fernandez last Tuesday before the Talisay City Prosecutors Office.

The cases were for illegal possession of firearm, violation of the Comelec gun ban and illegal possession of explosive.

Talisay City Prosecutor Marshal Rubia said yesterday that Joavan can put up bail on the illegal possession of firearm and violation of the Comelec gun ban, but the illegal possession of explosive is non-bailable.

According to Rubia, the bail for illegal possession of firearm is P50,000 while bail on the violation of the Comelec gun ban is P60,000.

Last Tuesday, after the cases were filed, Joavan was under inquest proceedings.

Rubia added that they are preparing the information documents of the case to be filed in the court.

On other hand, Joavan yesterday said at the stockade that they are scheduled to post bail on the cases against him and he was waiting for his lawyers.

Joavan earlier claimed that Superintendent Elmer Lim, officer-in-charge of Talisay City Police Station, hit him on the face after he was arrested last Monday evening. He also claimed that the evidence against him were planted.

During the arrest, the police allegedly recovered from the possession of Joavan a hand grenade, derringer revolver with four live bullets and a live bullet of caliber .45 pistol.

Joavan added that he might sue the police. His lawyer is still studying what charges to file.

Meanwhile, Lim said that they will face all the charges that will be file against them. He added that they are only doing their jobs in implementing the law. – (FREEMAN)