Arrest warrant issued vs. former owner of export firm

CEBU, Philippines - An arrest warrant has been issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 27 against one of the owners of Sauna World (Sawo) Inc. after the latter’s petition to recall the warrant and withdraw the information for qualified theft was denied.

RTC Branch 27 judge Toribio Quiwag in his order dated May 29, 2009, commanded the arrest of Teijo Juhani Kuiri said to be found at Villa Maceren Compound, barangay Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City, and likewise recommended no bail for his temporary liberty.

According to Celso Espinosa, the legal counsel of complainant Veikko Matti Kallionieme, Kuiri already left in the country last May 21.

Kallionieme is also one of the owners of Sawo Inc., a company that was incorporated in January 2000 and was granted registration to manufacture sauna and spa heaters, steam, and related equipment and accessories at the Mactan Export Processing Zone 2 for export.

In a press statement, Sawo Inc. management narrated that on October 13, 2008, following the discovery of the unlawful transfer and taking of company funds, a criminal complaint for qualified theft was filed against Kuiri.

On May 14, 2009, after preliminary investigation, the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office found the existence of a probable cause for the crime of qualified theft and the information was filed with the RTC.

Espinosa said that the qualified theft filed against Kuiri is non-bailable since the amount of money allegedly stolen is more than P500,000 pursuant to Memorandum Order no. 177 by the Office of the President amending DOJ Circular no. 74.

Espinosa said that this contention was sustained by the court during the hearing yesterday which eventually led to the issuance of the warrant of arrest.

The Sawo Inc. management likewise strongly opposed Kuiri’s motion invoking the applicable judicial doctrine that an accused who is a fugitive from justice cannot be granted any relief by the court.

Kuiri, aside from being a former owner, was also the former managing director and treasurer of Sawo Inc. before he was terminated from both positions in 2008.

Sawo Inc. is a company organized as an economic export enterprise pursuant to Republic Act 7916 otherwise known as Special Economic Zone Act of 1995.

Sawo sauna brand was established in 1994 by Kallionieme in Hong Kong. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP (THE FREEMAN)