Court defers arraignment of Gica brothers

CEBU, Philippines - The Municipal Trial Court in Dumanjug has deferred the arraignment of the Gica brothers who were accused of frustrated homicide for allegedly shooting the nephew of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

This after defeated Dumanjug mayoralty candidate Efren Guntrano Gica and his brother Sima Barangay Captain Erwin Gica moved for the postponement of yesterday’s arraignment because their father, Edgar Gica, who is also acting as their counsel, was not available.

Edgar reportedly had prior commitments in Cebu City court. The court has moved the arraignment on July 19.

The Gica brothers were accused of shooting Lou Oliver Garcia in Barangay Ilaya, Dumanjug last May 11.

Garcia came to rescue his cousin Fulton Francis Riconalla who was allegedly mauled by Efren while attending a benefit dance. Efren fired a shot hitting Garcia in the left arm.

Meanwhile, Garcia’s lawyer Jennie Aclan has filed a separate motion seeking to amend the information of the case.

In a text message to The Freeman, Aclan said the prosecutor’s office has inadvertently stated in the information of the case that the alleged shooting incident happened in Barangay Looc.

Aclan said the incident actually happened in Barangay Ilaya contrary to what was stated in the information of the case. Aclan’s motion will be heard on June 24. – (FREEMAN)