Dumpit stays in prison despite release order

CEBU, Philippines - Controversial police officer Adonis Dumpit will have to stay in prison for few more days despite having secured a release order from the court after posting P250,000 bail yesterday morning because his release order needs to be approved by the Bureau of Correction in Manila.

Dumpit was expecting to be released yesterday and was already excited to come home to Cebu. The excitement, however, was short-lived after he was told by the prison officials in Abuyog Regional Penitentiary that he had to wait for at least one to two weeks to process his release papers in Manila.

Prison officials in Leyte, who requested anonymity for lack of authority to speak on behalf of the agency, said they need a release order from Manila before Dumpit could be freed.

Dumpit, through his lawyer Benjamin Militar, posted P250,000 bail yesterday morning before the Regional Trial Court Branch 10 in Abuyog, Leyte. RTC Judge Carlos Arguilles issued the release order and was received by the prison officials shortly before noon.

However, the penal colony could not release Dumpit despite the court order until the national office of the BuCor approves it.

Militar together with Dumpit's friend, Lyn Oliva, went to Leyte to pay for the bail and supposedly to fetch him. Although they need to wait for few more days, Oliva said she is happy that Dumpit will be released soon.

"Happy, kay makagawas na siya," said Oliva, who claimed to be one of Dumpit's angels when asked of her relationship with the policeman.

Cebu City Mayor-elect Tommy Osmeña was also excited to see Dumpit again. In fact, he already asked his son, Miguel, to fetch Dumpit.

Osmeña said he felt sorry for Dumpit that he had to wait for a few more days before he could be finally released.

"I could not say, there's something that comes out nga way klaro, I'm really sorry, I want him to be released na," said Osmeña, who gave the money for Dumpit's bail.

In an interview, Dumpit said among the first things he wants to do when he comes home to Cebu is to visit the Basilica del Santo Niño and Osmeña.

The incoming mayor said he does not oblige Dumpit to see him after his release.

"It's up to him, he plans to meet me, so I have to meet him. I've been supporting him for six years, and he's asking for balato," Osmeña said.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador Jr. said Dumpit can immediately report for duty after his release.

Dumpit had been in prison for six years for killing alleged notorious robber Ronron Go on December 14, 2004.

He was charged with murder but was convicted of homicide on August 5, 2014. He appealed his conviction and was recently granted bail by the Court of Appeals. —  (FREEMAN)