Cop drops case against US preacher, 2 others

CEBU, Philippines - An American preacher and two others arrested Saturday for allegedly disturbing the solemn procession have been released from detention after the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office dismissed the criminal complaints against them.

The dismissal of the complaints was prompted by the affidavit of desistance executed by Chief Inspector Wildemar Tiu.

Tiu's men arrested Michael Chalmer Bradley, 46, of Florida, USA; his wife, Elcel, 28; and Rebecca Gonzales, 29, for allegedly offending religious feelings.

Bradley and his companions were preaching against idolatry along the solemn procession route using a megaphone, disturbing the people joining the activity.

A complaint for violations of Article 132 and 133 of the Revised Penal Code or interruption of religious worship and offending religious feelings, respectively, was filed against them.

State prosecutor Ruso Zaragosa dismissed the complaint and ordered the release of the suspects.

Zaragosa said there is no more ground to proceed with the investigation after the police withdrew the complaint.

Tiu said he is no longer interested in pursuing the complaint for humanitarian reason.

"For humanitarian reasons, considering that the spouses Michael and Elcel have children and that nobody would take care of them, it is for this reasons that I am forgiving them," he stated.— (FREEMAN)