Ateneo shooter pleads not guilty

MANILA, Philippines — After being deemed mentally fit to stand trial, Chao Tiao Yumol pleaded not guility to charges of three counts of murder, frustrated murder and car theft for the shooting rampage at the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU).

Yumol entered his plea during his arraignment at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 yesterday.

An insider said Yumol attended the proceedings via video conference from a detention facility of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

The court proceeded with Yumol’s arraignment after the National Center for Mental Health submitted a report on Oct. 24 stating that he is psychologically fit to stand trial.

The arraignment was delayed twice after Yumol’s lawyer told the court that he needed to be examined by doctors as he is exhibiting symptoms of insanity.

“His lawyer asked for another postponement, but it was denied by the judge,” the source said in an interview.

Yumol shot dead former mayor Rosita Furigay of Lamitan City, Basilan, Furigay’s executive assistant Victor Capistrano and AdMU security guard Jeneven Bandiala during a graduation ceremony on July 24.

Fruigay’s daughter, Hannah, survived the shooting.

The lawyer for the Furigay family, Quirino Esguerra, said they welcome the latest development as they can proceed with the merits of the case during trial.

Esguerra said the family patriarch, Lamitan Mayor Roderick Furigay, is hoping to finally get justice.

“Mayor Furigay expressed relief that the wheels of justice will start to grind now,” Esguerra said.

Esguerra said Yumol can no longer plead insanity to avoid punishment as he was medically and mentally evaluated by doctors for three months.

“Klaro na ‘yung report (The report is clear),” Esguerra said.

The court set the pre-trial of the case on Nov. 17.