After "detaining" family ex-OFW stays in jail; no bail recommended

CEBU, Philippines - The Naga City Prosecutor's Office has recommended no bail against a former overseas Filipino worker who allegedly detained his wife and two children in their residence.

City Prosecutor Napoleon Alburo found enough evidence to indict Veroni Bacon, 48, a resident of Sitio Sindulan, Barangay Tina-an, Naga City, Cebu, for serious illegal detention and for illegal possession of firearms.

During the inquest proceeding yesterday, Bacon chose not to file his counter-affidavit to negate the allegations filed against him. Instead, he manifested to face the charges in court.

Bacon was arrested on Saturday after he allegedly threatened to shoot his wife, Lendela, and their 22-year-old and one-year-old children inside their house.

Bacon allegedly detained his family for about ten hours and surrendered to the authorities at around 6 p.m. after a negotiation.

The authorities received a report from residents of Sitio Sindulan after someone asked for help from Bacon's house.

Bacon allegedly threatened to kill his wife and his two children with a .357 caliber revolver.

Special Weapons and Tactics teams from Naga City and Cebu Provincial Police Office were deployed near the house to help in the negotiation while Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong was also in the area to assist.

Bacon reportedly demanded for a lawyer and different kinds of food such as milk for his child and 'manok bisaya.'

According Conchita Bacon, a relative of the former OFW, prior to the incident, Veroni and his wife had an argument over allegations that Lendela had an affair with another man. She said that Veroni was under the influence of illegal drugs.

Veroni once worked as an industrial electrician in Canada but was forced to retire because he was diagnosed with heart enlargement and lung problem.

Devi, daughter of the Veroni, said in a report that his father was involved in illegal drugs even before he left abroad.

Meanwhile, the chief of Naga City police, Brindo Nacario, told The FREEMAN that the complaints for physical injury, child abuse and violence against women and children that were supposed to be filed were not included anymore since it is already covered in the case of serious illegal detention. — (FREEMAN)