Jaworski son seeks preliminary investigation

MANILA, Philippines - A son of former senator and basketball legend Robert Jaworski sought the preliminary investigation of the charges against him on Sunday, a day after he was arrested for gunrunning and engaging police officers in a shootout.

Lawyer Richard Nethercott, who represents 40-year-old Ryan Jaworski, executed a waiver of Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code during the inquest proceedings at the Makati City prosecutor’s office at past 5 p.m.

Jaworski was charged with direct assault, attempted murder and violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act of 2013 before Makati Senior Assistant Prosecutor Gaudencio Toledo Jr.

Jaworski’s co-accused, Joselito Au, 52, who was arrested along with the former senator’s son, did not execute a waiver and his lawyer, Bonifacio Arawis, submitted the charges for resolution. 

Another suspect, Ferdinand Farago, was charged with the same offenses and is scheduled for preliminary investigation. He escaped during the shootout and remains at large.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao said Jaworski would remain under heavy guard at the Makati Medical Center (MMC), where he is recuperating from a gunshot wound in the left leg.

Pagdilao said Jaworski’s next hearing would be tomorrow.

Au is being held at the NCRPO’s regional police intelligence and operating unit (RPIOU) detention center at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Jaworski and his driver, Au, were arrested Saturday at the MMC, where Jaworski sought treatment after being wounded during a shootout with RPIOU operatives, headed by Inspector Joy Opelac, during a botched sting involving the purchase of an M4 Armalite rifle worth P120,000.