SAN JOSE, Antique -- For the first time in 14 years, the suspected mastermind in the Evelio Javier murder case has finally been detained in the provincial jail here.
Former assemblyman Arturo Pacificador was detained last Friday along with lawyer Avelino Javellana for being linked to one of the most controversial killings during the Marcos regime, or five days after the Supreme Court ordered their incarceration on Jan. 30.
Former Antique governor Evelio Javier was gunned down on Feb. 11, 1986, shortly after the snap election that later led to the dictator's ouster.
The two suspects had previously been under house arrest; Javellana in the custody of the clerk of court Atty. Deogracias del Rosario, Pacificador under provincial police chief Superintendent Norlito Bautista.
Javellana, however, had reportedly continued to live in his own house and was able to roam freely, while Pacificador resided in simple police quarters with a view of the ocean in Bugante Point in this capital town.
The STAR also learned that both suspects have been practicing their law profession despite their house arrests, and even have a number of clients based on the records of the Antique Hall of Justice.
However, with the recent ruling of the High Court, it is not likely that Pacificador and Javellana can continue practicing law while they are detained in provincial city jail. The two however will be allowed to appear in court to defend themselves.
The Evelio Javier murder trial started in 1987 but was suspended in 1989 after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) following allegations that the former judge was biased in favor of the defense.
The TRO was lifted last July 19, 1999 and the trial started again on Aug. 20 with the arraignment of Pacificador, who was assistant majority leader of the Batasang Pambansa and deputy minister for public works and highways under the Marcos regime.
It took the administration of President Estrada to bring the case again to court. During the recent visit of the President here, he promised he would give full support to the speedy trial of the 14-year-old murder case.
The recent SC ruling for the detention of the two suspects was written by Justice Bernardo Pardo and concurred by Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. and Associate Justices Reynato Puno and Consuelo Ynares-Santiago.
Pacificador and Javellana are now reunited with seven other suspects including alleged hitman Ramon Hortillano in the provincial jail. Boy Iran, the other alleged hitman who chased Javier to a restaurant bathroom for the kill, remains at large.