Court defers arraignment of accused in foiled ambush of Taiheyo cement executive

CEBU, Philippines – The Regional Trial Court has deferred the arraignment for illegal possession of firearm against the accused in the foiled ambush of a cement factory executive two months ago be-cause of the absence of lawyer who can assist him.

Rolando Sagnoy refused to take the services of the public attorney and the counsel de-officio offered by the court because he wanted to hire his own lawyer. RTC Branch 58 Judge Gabriel Ingles gave Sagnoy until next week to look for his own counsel.

Ingles rescheduled his arraignment on September 14 wherein he is also scheduled for arraignment for frustrated murder.

Sagnoy was charged for illegal possession of firearms and attempted murder following his arrest after the failed ambush of Nestor Zamoras, 45, marketing manager of Taiheyo Ce-ment Corp., in June 24 at Gorordo Avenue and Ayala access road.

Sagnoy allegedly used an Ingram machine pistol but failed to kill Zamoras because the latter's white Ford Everest is equipped with bullet-proof windshields.

Meanwhile, Philippine Phoenix Surety and Insurance Incorporated has asked the court to discharge them of the responsibility as bonding company of Sagnoy after the latter jumped bail.

Vilma Cabarubias, bonding company's representative, wanted to withdraw the surety bond it posted for Sagnoy's temporary liberty because they no longer have trust and confi-dence to the accused after he tried to escape.

Sagnoy was captured in Lapu-Lapu City on September 6 after the court ordered for his arrest because of his failure to appear during the scheduled hearing of his case. (FREEMAN)