Maguans to file libel, slander raps vs Rolito Go

MANILA, Philippines - Convicted killer Rolito Go and his alleged kidnapper may be charged with libel and slander for accusing a relative of Go’s victim of masterminding the kidnapping in August last year.

Go was convicted of killing Eldon Maguan, a De La Salle University engineering student in 1991, after a minor traffic incident in Greenhills, San Juan.

Lawyer Jose Flaminiano, who represents Maguan’s cousin, Eliot, said the charges they will file against Go and Armando Mondero are based on Mondero’s allegation that Eliot conversed with the alleged financier of Go’s kidnap, Emilio Ortiz.

Mondero, who surrendered to police and asked to be allowed to be a state witness, initially told investigators he overheard Ortiz and another person talking on the phone to a “Mr. Magbuan,” according to Go’s lawyer, Claire Castro. He said he later saw Mr. Magbuan in person.

Castro said they were surprised by the allegation, even though investigators have a sketch of Mr. Magbuan, based on Mondero’s description.

Assistant State Prosecutor Christine Perorino subpoenaed Eliot to appear in the next preliminary investigation hearing.

Go and his nephew-nurse Clemence Yu disappeared from the New Bilibid Prison on Aug. 14, 2012 and reappeared two days later. Go, who was suffering from rectal cancer, insisted that he did not escape but was kidnapped.

Flaminiano said they have yet to receive the subpoena, adding that they only heard of the allegations through the media.

“The allegations against my client and the entire Maguan family are very libelous, damaging, harmful and destructive,” he said.

Flaminiano said Go has reportedly been leaving the NBP over the past six years.