DOJ pushes for extradition of Pacificador from Canada

The Department of Justice expressed fears yesterday that failure of the Canadian government to extradite Rodolfo Pacificador might create an impression that the North American country can be a haven for wanted Filipinos.

"We are afraid that Canada might be a haven of Filipinos facing charges here," Justice Secretary Hernando Perez said as he allayed Canada’s fears Pacificador will not be accorded due process when he faces trial back home.

"It is not true that Pacificador is a subject of political persecution here. His extradition shall not be prejudicial to the interest of justice. Our courts will be providing him protection," he added.

Perez explained further he has already instructed Undersecretary Merceditas Gutierrez to ask their counterpart in Canada of their "desire to appeal the dismissal of the case."

"The Philippine government would like to assure Canadian courts that there is no ground for the court to have ruled that the case filed against Pacificador is a product of political manipulation," he emphasized.

Pacificador is accused of conspiring with seven others in the February 1986 murder of Antique Governor Evelio Javier, the political opponent of his father. He has since fled to Canada.

Under Canadian rules, the Canadian Ministry of Justice has 60 days to appeal the ruling, which was handed by the Canadian Supreme Court last Aug. 1.

Perez also denied Canada’s speculations that Pacificador’s co-accused "have been subjected to several years of harsh detention without trial in the Philippines" and that they "failed to respect their fundamental rights." – Delon Porcalla