Libel case vs Cullen dropped

DAVAO CITY — Davao City Mayor Benjamin de Guzman has decided to drop the P50-million libel case he filed against Olongapo-based Irish priest Fr. Shay Cullen in 1999.

The mayor made the move reportedly upon the request of Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla, who interceded in Cullen’s behalf.

Cullen would have been arraigned yesterday.

The charges stemmed from Cullen’s appeal on the Internet in 1999 seeking support from the international community in convincing De Guzman to stop coddling death squads out to liquidate street children here.

The mayor belied the accusations, and decided to sue Cullen for libel, saying he had been exposed him to public ridicule, contempt and hatred. — Edith Regalado