Canadian freed after posting P200T bail

CEBU, Philippines - A Canadian accused of child abuse was released from detention after posting P200,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

Garry Wayne Kevol waived his right to avail of a preliminary investigation and opted to answer the case in court so he could immediately post bail.

Reviewing prosecutor Liceria Lofranco-Rabillas earlier recommended the filing of the criminal case for violation of Section 5 paragraph 5(b) of Republic Act 7610 against Kevol.

Rabillas reversed assistant city prosecutor Mary Ann Castro’s dismissal of the case on the ground that the arrest was improper. Castro ruled that Kevol’s arrest by the National Bureau of Investigation was improper because the arresting officers did not have personal knowledge about the alleged sexual exploitation.

“When the arrest of the respondent, who was with the minor, was made, respondent was just driving his sedan out of his condominium unit. Respondent was not engaging in child prostitution at that time. There is, therefore, neither legal basis nor probable cause to make the arrest,” Castro’s resolution reads.

Rabillas however disapproved Castro’s recommendation.

“It must be stressed that prior to the arrest, respondent was seen in the CCTV who was inside the condominium’s elevator with a girl that appears to be a minor and is 10 years or more his junior and who appears not to be his relative as he is a Caucasian while the girl appears to be a Filipina,” Rabillas said.

Rabillas said that based on the evidence, NBI agent Bernard dela Cruz received a call from other agents conducting surveillance that the accused went inside the condominium on June 14 together with the minor.

According to Rabillas, the NBI conducted continuous surveillance until the 15-year-old girl was rescued. The girl claimed that she was given P15,000 by the accused in exchange for her sexual services. (FREEMAN)