Also accused in Priest’s slay: CA affirms conviction of man in drug case

CEBU, Philippines –  The Court of Appeals in Cebu has affirmed the conviction of a man, who is also accused in robbing and killing a priest, for illegal possession of dangerous drugs.

 Associate Justice Germano Francisco Legaspi said he found no evidence that would warrant the reversal of the trial court’s judgment finding Gerald Tradio, a resident of Cansojong, Talisay City, Cebu, guilty of the offense charged.

 Tradio appealed his conviction claiming the trial court erred in finding him guilty beyond reasonable doubt for violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

 Tradio was sentenced to suffer 12 years and one day to 15 years imprisonment and fined P300,000.

 Tradio was arrested on July 8, 2009, when the Talisay City police conducted a follow-up hot pursuit operation in Barangay Cansojong in connection with the robbing and killing of Naga City assistant priest, Father Jovencio Rabusa.

 Police officers said they arrested Tradio whom they saw walking in an alley with a handgun tucked in his waist. When Tradio was frisked, they recovered two plastic sachets of shabu from his possession.

 Tradio denied the charges filed against him. He alleged that while he was sleeping in their house, he was awakened when six police officers in civilian attire arrived and told him to accompany them to the barangay hall where he will be questioned for the killing of Rabusa.

 At around 9 p.m. on the same day, Tradio said a minor surrendered before the police station in relation to the killing of the priest. The minor reportedly disclosed to the police the identity of his cohorts in robbing and killing the priest and included Tradio’s name. 

 Legaspi ruled in favor of the prosecution. He said the prosecution was able to prove the existence of the dangerous drugs and the guilt of Tradio despite his denial. —/ATO (FREEMAN)