Joavan enters not guilty plea

CEBU, Philippines - Joavan, the controversial adopted son of former Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, was assisted by his lawyer, George Bragat.

Earlier, the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office elevated the cases to the court after Joavan waived his right to undergo a preliminary investigation.

The case stemmed from the complaint filed by the Moalboal Police.

On May 20, 2013 or two weeks after he escaped from Talisay City Jail, Joavan was arrested at a resort in Barangay Saavedra Moalboal by the police.  During the arrest, authorities recovered from his possession a .45 caliber handgun.

At that time, Joavan was about to depart for Negros Oriental using a motorized banca when he, together with two companions, namely Beneto Sellon and Carlito Cañada, both from Tulay, Minglanilla.

Joavan was earlier arrested by the Talisay City Police on May 6, 2013 in Barangay Bulacao by virtue of a bench warrant issued by Municipal Trial Court in Cites (MTCC) Judge Mario Manayon for his failure to attend the hearing of his physical injury case.

During the arrest, police recovered a .9 mm pistol and hand grenade from his possession.

However, on May 8, Joavan escaped while under the custody of the Talisay City Police.  (FREEMAN)