Foreigners arrested by Chavit seek to post bail

MANILA, Philippines - Four men who were placed under citizen’s arrest by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson asked a Quezon City court to allow them to post bail pending the results of the preliminary investigation of drug charges filed against them.

Regional Trial Court Branch 78 Judge Fernando Sagun ordered investigating prosecutor Irene Resurreccion to comment on the motion filed by Britons James Gates, 22; Jack McLeod, 19; and Ross Barnaby McLeod, 18, and Australian Arthur Murray Nash, 19.

Resurreccion confirmed yesterday she has already submitted her comment but refused to provide further information as it was a “sensitive” case. She said it will be up to the judge to resolve the motion. A copy of her comment has yet to be released to the media.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said Singson returned from a trip out of town on Sunday and allegedly caught the four men in his house in the act of using illegal drugs.

The suspects have tested positive for drugs, according to QCPD director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano.

QCPD Station 12 commander Superintendent Danilo Pecana said the four suspects were visitors at Singson’s house in Corinthian Gardens.