DOJ to seek extradition of ex-governor’s son

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will push for the extradition of a son of former Isabela Gov. Benjamin Dy, who was convicted of raping two American exchange students in Baguio City in 1994.

National Bureau of Investigation director Reynaldo Wycoco has informed Justice Secretary Simeon Datumanong that Bryan Dy "is somewhere in the United States" and that the DOJ can start working on his extradition.

Wycoco made the announcement during the Manila Overseas Press Club forum, where Datumanong was invited as main guest.

The DOJ will have to work for Bryan’s return so he can serve the prison term which the Baguio City court meted on him and his brother-in-law, Giovan Bernardino.

Bryan, then 17, and Bernardino were found guilty of raping the two American students and sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in prison.

Last year, the Supreme Court’s first division upheld the lower court’s ruling against Bryan, but upgraded Bernardino’s sentence to life imprisonment.

Bryan was allowed to post bail during the trial but was not committed to jail even until he reached 18.

Wycoco said Bryan left for the US shortly before he could serve his sentence.

Bernardino, who is married to Bryan’s sister Armie, has complained that while he has served at least two-thirds of the original penalty, Bryan has "managed to roam like a free man."