CEBU, Philippines - Alleged cult leader Casiano Apduhan Jr. pleaded “not guilty” to illegal possession of firearms and serious illegal detention charges during his arraignment yesterday at the Regional Trial Court in Toledo City.
Apduhan alias Tatay Boy faced Judge Hermes Montero with head vowed as the information of the charges against him were read by the court staff.
He was assisted by his new lawyer Nikki Alcordo who took over the case from lawyer Danilo Yap after the latter withdrew his appearance.
Also present during the arraignment was Emma Nepomuceno, Apduhan’s alleged victim. Nepomuceno, 33, was allegedly detained for five years at the residence of the accused in Laray 3, Barangay Buanoy, Balamban.
Nepumuceno, however, denied being detained by the accused contrary to the statements of the prosecution witnesses.
“I was not detained. Tatay and Nanay treated me like their daughter. They were very good to me,” Nepomuceno said.
According to her, it was her personal choice to live with the Apduhans. She added that while at the residence of the accused, she was free to go anywhere she wants to and was never barred from going outside of the house.
After the arraignment, Apduhan was immediately brought back to the Toledo City Jail. He refused to be interviewed as well as his new lawyer.
Heddah Largo, a consultant of the Provincial Women’s Commission, said it was Apduhan’s right to enter a “not guilty” plea.
“Maybe he has basis. However, he has to prove that in court,” Largo said.
Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation arrested Apduhan and his driver, Victor Fajardo, on March 26. Fajardo, however, was later released for lack of probable cause against him.
The NBI raided Apduhan’s mansion based on the search warrant issued by the court. During the raid, Nepomuceno was rescued. The NBI also exhumed the remains of a 15-year-old boy allegedly killed by Apduhan. The NBI also recovered two .38 caliber revolvers during the operation. The court has set the pre-trial conference on September 10, 2014.— (FREEMAN)