Some cops to challenge ‘warrant-less arrest’ verdict

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Some police officers who were found liable for the illegal arrest case filed by former Iloilo City Councilor Plaridel Nava might challenge the verdict handed by the Office of the Ombusdman.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Pablito would dispute that he was part of the group who arrested brothers Julius and Roy de los Reyes, Nava’s former security aides, at the Iloilo City Hall.

Pablito confirmed that he already received the Ombudsman’s decision to suspend them for one month and one day.

When asked if he would just serve his suspension, Pablito said he has yet to consult his legal counsel. He did not elaborate.

Pablito and Staff Sergeant Richard Ivan Lopez were at the City Hall to provide security during the arrest.

At that time, Pablito was the chief of the Iloilo City Police Station 1, which includes the City Hall in its area of operation.

But it was learned that other officers might abide by the decision to get it over and done with.

Aside from Pablito and Lopez, Nava also charged Colonel Martin Defensor Jr., the former Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director; Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey Buslotan, the ICPO Intelligence chief; and Lieutenant Colonel Marlon Valencia, the former Iloilo City Police Station 5 Chief.

Also charged were Senior Master Sergeant Edward Barrida and Jessie Jim Rubio; Master Sergeant Vernie Escorial; and Staff Sergeants Oliver Lonasco, Ricardo Morante, Joel Novera, Cyril Maestre, John Marcel San Pedro, Melbert Nino, Enrico Gonzales and Peter Laurence Organia.

Defensor, now Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) chief of staff, said he is ready to face the consequences of their actions.

Defensor made the statement after the Iloilo City Prosecutors Office dismissed charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 9516 or illegal possession of explosives against the delos Reyes brothers.

The cases were filed January 8, 2019, or four days after the killing of Mercedes “Ging-Ging” Nava, Plaridel’s cousin, who died in an ambush at Barangay Calajunan, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Nava’s bodyguards were accused of killing Mercedes and her companion, Erwin Fontillas.

Even earlier, Defensor maintained that the arrest was above board.

Defensor and 16 of his subordinates were administratively charged before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas a month after they arrested the de los Reyes brothers.

The 17 ICPO personnel were charged for grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service.

The two were arrested in Nava’s office at the Iloilo City Hall on Jan. 7, 2019.