34 arraigned in Aloguinsan land Controversy

CEBU, Philippines - Out of 39, only 34 of those accused of preventing the fencing of a private property in Barangay Borbon, Aloguinsan were arraigned in the direct assault and resistance to a person of authority case filed against them.

The 34, which include farmers and three students from the University of the Philippines, pleaded not guilty before Judge Hermes Montero of Regional Trial Court Branch 59 of Toledo City.

One of the defense lawyers, Ian Manticajon, said the five other respondents are farmers and were absent during yesterday’s arraignment for unknown reasons. Montero has set they arraignment on February 16, 2012.

The Office of the Provincial Prosecutor elevated the case to the court after assistant provincial prosecutor Petronio Elesterio found probable cause to indict the respondents after they failed to submit counter-affidavits.

The respondents are Jason Engarcial, 28; Nelson Engarcial, 18; Terry Obtina, 49; Lilia Engarcial, 58; Jino Jilwano, 34; Amita Tumulak, 59; Adelaida Alcos, 58; Behamia Maurin, 60; Merlyn Engarcial, 39; Filicidad Lausa, 50; Alejandra Pañares, 42; Teresa Nengasca, 54; Eremias Nengasca, 19; Ramil Engarcial, 37; Cerilo Engarcial, 59; Jimmy Obtina, 27; Susan Elaria, 42; Andrea Quiño, 55; Rosalinda Bayadog, 37; Jeanalyn Hilaria, 19; Jevelyn Hilaria 19; Susan Alcos, 30; Arlene Ordanesa, 37; Romeo Ordanesa, 39; Adelina Tumulak, 38; and Ramelo Arnaiz, 45.

All of them were released from detention last September 3, 2011 after they posted bail.

They were arrested by policemen assigned to maintain peace and order during the implementation of the Temporary Restraining Order issued by Executive Judge Hermes Montero of RTC Toledo City Branch 59 on August 29, 2011.

The policemen were assisting sheriff Melvin Destura for the fencing of a parcel of land in Barangay Bon-bon, Aloguinsan, Cebu. The land is owned by the Gantuangco family. Manticajon said they sought for Montero’s inhibition from the case, but the judge denied the request saying he will afford the case a fair trial.

The other counsels of the farmers also asked to defer the pre-trial conference of the case to give way to a possible mediation.

The Gantuangcos reportedly offered the members of the Sr. San Roque Farmers Association a 100-square-meter residential lot or a five-hectare communal farm land, but they reportedly rejected the same. — (FREEMAN)