Plea of Ces kidnap suspects rejected

MANILA, Philippines—The Court of Appeals on Friday dismissed the habeas corpus petition of the father and son accused in the kidnap-for-ransom of ABS-CBN news anchor Ces Drilon and her camera crew, Jimmyfred Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama.

The appellate court division dismissed the petition of Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji and his son Haider for their release and for their case to be dismissed.

The Isnajis filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, arguing that the case against them should be dismissed because the government failed to give them access to a trial more than 30 days after they were charged before the court in July 2008.

Their counsel, Jose Ventura Aspiras, had argued before the sixth division that the Isnajis should already be released because they are already being illegally detained.

The Isnajis’ legal counsel adverted to the Speedy Trial Act that mandates the arraignment of the accused within 30 days after the filing of the information before the court.

The sixth division is composed of its chair Justice Jose Sabio with Justice Fernanda Peralta and Justice Apolinario Bruselas Jr., as members.

The court said the delay was justified because of such factors as the transfer of the court venue and the accused seeking a review of the case filed against them.

Norman Bordadora

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