“Cult leader” backed by his alleged victim

CEBU, Philippines - A supposed complainant ended up testifying for alleged cult leader Casiano Apduhan who is charged with serious illegal detention before the Regional Trial Court in Toledo City.

Emma Nepomuceno, 33, a woman allegedly detained by Apduhan for more than five years in his villa in Barangay Buanoy, Balamban, yesterday told the court that the accused was innocent.

Nepomuceno said she went to Apduhan’s residence on her own will and was not forced to stay in the house. She said she had a family problem which she believes Apduhan could help her.

The National Bureau of Investigation-7 earlier arrested Apduhan during a supposed rescue operation of Nepomuceno. The NBI-7 was acting on a request from the Provincial Women’s Commission.

The operation resulted in the arrest of Apduhan and the recovery of a skeletal remains buried at the basement in Apduhan’s villa and the seizure of several firearms. Nepomuceno was also rescued during the operation.

The NBI-7 filed the criminal charges against Apduhan but the latter’s lawyer, Danilo Yap, filed a motion for judicial determination of probable cause.

State prosecutor Jasmin Despi said she would present a witness on May 9 to counter Nepomuceno’s testimony.

Aside from serious illegal detention, Apduhan is also facing charges for illegal possession of firearms, and murder for allegedly killing Angelo Rapuela, 15.— /FPL (FREEMAN)