3 years after Joavan found guilty of 'light threats'

CEBU, Philippines - The controversial adopted son of former Talisay City mayor and now Councilor Socrates Fernandez, Joavan, was found guilty to 10 days in prison in relation to his case of "light threats."

After three years, Talisay City Municipal Trial Court in Cities Presiding Judge Mario Manayon found Joavan guilty on light threats against Vincent Joe Castrodes, 28, a registered nurse and a  resident of F. Llamas Street, Cebu City, when the latter's BMW almost collided with Joavan's red Isuzu Bighorn last 2010.

In his seven-page decision, Manayon said he had downgraded the charge of grave threats against Joavan as there was no proof he had the intention to kill Vincent Castrodes during their traffic spat.

"The mere act of drawing his weapon and pointing it at the person of the complainant did not necessarily indicate that the accused was threatening to kill the complainant. Such act may only evince (show) the desire to scare the complainant particularly so considering that the act was precipitated by a traffic dispute," Manayon said in his decision.

Fernandez was arrested after Castrodes complained that Joavan pointed a gun at him at the height of their argument in Barangay Bulacao.

Castrodes was driving his BMW and heading south when the Bighorn came out of the gate of the Vista Grande Subdivision.

Castrodes said he beeped his horn after the Bighorn suddenly blocked his way that caused Joavan to get angry.

Castrodes said Joavan got out of the vehicle then pointed a gun at him before returning to his vehicle then leaving the area. The victim rushed to the Talisay City Police Station in Barangay Poblacion to report the incident.

Joavan is presently detained at the Cebu Provincial Rehabilitation and Detention Center for illegal possession of firearms, illegal possession of explosives and a violation of Commission on Election gun ban. (FREEMAN)