Arraignment of Tiamzon couple deferred

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Trial Court has deferred the arraignment of alleged communist leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon on the criminal charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives because of the couple’s pending motion for reconsideration on the denial of their plea for judicial determination of probable cause.

 Lawyer Rachel Pastores asked to postpone yesterday’s arraignment until their pending motion is resolved.

Pastores sought to reconsider the denial of their motion asking the court to determine probable cause against the Tiamzons.

Regional Trial Court Branch 29 Judge Ruben Altubar earlier denied the omnibus motion for judicial determination of probable cause citing the arrest of the Tiamzons and their colleagues; Nona “Lorraine” Castillo, Jeosi Nepa, Joel Enano, Arlene Panea, and Rex Villaflor were valid.

The prosecution was given 15 days to file its opposition on the motion for reconsideration. The defense was likewise given five days to submit its reply.

Meanwhile, the court has already submitted for resolution the motion for reduction of bail filed by Castillo and Nepa. The two accused sought to reduce the P120,000 bail recommended by the prosecution for their temporary liberty.

The accused were arrested on March 22, 2014 by the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police at the boundary of San Fernando and Aloguinsan.— (FREEMAN)