CSA gun case suspect a no-show at mediation hearing

MANILA, Philippines - A man accused of pointing a pistol at the head of his son’s schoolmate at the Colegio San Agustin failed to show up at a mediation hearing yesterday afternoon.

Allan Bantiles, earlier arraigned on grave threat charges, was supposed to face Makati Regional Trial Court Judge Lucia Violago-Isnani and his accuser, Jesus Manuel Garcia, for mediation, a mandatory judicial proceeding for criminal offenses that merit a prison term of less than six years.

Bantiles sent his lawyer, Richard Nethercott, to attend the hearing at the Philippine Mediation Center at the Makati city hall.

The 18-year-old Garcia, on the other hand, arrived early for the hearing. He was accompanied by his father, Mike; mother, Toni; and lawyers Ernest Maceda and Dominic Balane.

Another hearing will be held at the chamber of Judge Henry Laron of the Makati Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 65, Balane said.

Mediation center personnel said mediation hearings are strictly confidential.

Garcia’s lawyers, however, hinted that they will push for the case to go to trial.

Bantiles, a construction contractor, is accused of slapping the teenager, cursing at him and pointing a gun at his head and threatening to shoot him in front of teachers at the school’s faculty room on Aug. 30, 2012.

Garcia alleged that Bantiles’ son and another classmate had been bullying him, causing him to lash out at his tormentors.

The initial charges of attempted murder, slander by deed and slander were downgraded to grave threat. If convicted, Bantiles could be sentenced to six months in prison and pay a fine of P500.