Joavan fails to appear at pre-trial

CEBU, Philippines - As expected, the controversial Joavan Fernandez did not show up in yesterday's pre-trial of his malicious mischief case at the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC)-Talisay City.

The court however went on with the pre-trial which was immediately terminated after both parties did not raise anymore issues about the case.

Meanwhile, defense lawyer George Bragat asked the court that their petition to release Joavan's Pajero should be resolved.

The subject green Pajero (GNZ-357) was seized by the Talisay City

Police the day after Joavan allegedly intentionally rammed it into a police car last October 31.

Hence, the malicious mischief case.

The sports utility vehicle, with one of its headlights broken, is parked in front of the Talisay City Police Station in barangay Poblacion. Joavan, during last month's arraignment, however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

With Joavan's petition, prosecutor Floralil Alberto had asked the court that they be given 10 days to respond to it, which was approved by presiding judge Mario Manayon.

Manayon has scheduled the initial hearing for the case on May 31.

Meanwhile, the court had to move to another date the prosecution's

presentation of its witness after agents from the National Bureau of Investigation did not show up in yesterday's hearing for Joavan's another case: violation of R.A. 8294 or Illegal Possession of Firearm.

The case stemmed from his October 6, 2008 arrest at a massage parlor in barangay Tabunok wherein he was found to have in his possession one empty magazine of caliber .45 and eight live ammunitions of .45 caliber pistol, apart from some drug paraphernalia, which another case had been filed separately.

The arrest, which was conducted by elements of NBI 7, was for alleged serious illegal detention case charged by cousins Osbert and Winston Abellana who claimed that Joavan together with five of his friends abducted and mauled them in August 11, 2008.

This case is already with the regional trial court in Cebu City. (FREEMAN)