CEBU, Philippines – Since the accused remained silent during the arraignment, the court entered a not guilty plea.
Jerome Noel is accused of attempting to kill a manager of a cement firm in San Fernando town, Cebu and illegal possession of firearms.
The Judge Gabriel Ingles of Branch 58 entered a not guilty plea after Noel remained silent after the information was read to him.
Rodulfo Valmoria, who is Noel's counsel, said his client remained silent during arraignment because he is still questioning the legality of the arrest.
Valmoria claimed the arrest of Noel was not the result of a pursuit by policemen but that Noel voluntarily surrendered to the police.
He also said the motion to review they had filed in the Court of Appeals is still pending.
Valmoria said they are appealing for a review by the CA of the denial of the motion to quash information for both charges.
Noel is accused as the mastermind in the botched ambush of Nestor Zamoras about three months ago. (FREEMAN)