RTC Judge orders release of Joavan's car

CEBU, Philippines - Joavan Fernandez’s car was released from the custody of the Talisay Police Station yesterday afternoon.

 This was based on the order of Regional Trial Court Branch 5 Judge Douglas Marigomen to release the Isuzu car owned by Joavan, son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez.

 SPOI Oliver Pua of Talisay Police Station released the car at around 4:45 p.m. to Clemente Fernandez, Jr. relative of Joavan who went to the police station.

Marigomen granted the motion to release the motor vehicle filed by the counsel of Joavan. The judge ruled that there was no more basis for the police to hold the vehicle, as it is not included in the case.

Lawyer George Bragat, counsel for Joavan, said yesterday that he was happy that Judge Marigomen granted the motion, which they filed last June 15.

The police placed the vehicle under their custody, after Joavan was accused of pointing a gun at a nurse while he was driving it.

Vicente Joe Revilla Castrodes, 28, complained last June 4 that he was driving his BMW on his way to the south when a red Isuzu Trooper suddenly blocked his way. He honked his car horn and this irked Joavan, who was driving the SUV.

According to Castrodes, Joavan, got out of the SUV then pointed a gun at him, returned to his vehicle, and sped off. The nurse followed Joavan, who went to a vehicle repair shop in Sitio Sombrea, Barangay Mohon, Talisay.

He then asked for the assistance of the Talisay City Police, who took Joavan to the police station and moved to search the vehicle legally. A gun was later found at the back of the vehicle.

 Talisay City Mayor Fernandez also figured in a controversy when he went to get something from the impounded vehicle even if the police told him a search has yet to be made. Earlier reports stated that the Department of Interior and Local Government entertained the idea of stripping the mayor of his supervisory powers over the local police.   (FREEMAN NEWS)