SC grants amparo petition of teen witness’ pa

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday granted a petition for a writ of amparo filed by the father of a 16-year-old who tagged Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. in the killing of Infanta town Mayor Ruperto Martinez in December last year.

In its regular session, the justices of the high court ordered the Court of Appeals (CA) to hear the case and decide on the petition of Jaime Aquino to transfer the custody of his son to him.

The CA was directed to hear the petition on Feb. 28 and decide on the case after 10 days.

“The SC resolved to order respondents (National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice (DOJ) and Akap-Bata foundation) to make a verified return of the writ of amparo within 72 hours from receipt of the writ,” the SC public information office said in a text message to reporters.

Aquino, who was also implicated by his son in the murder case, asked the SC to order the DOJ to turn over the boy to him.

He said his son was “abused” and ”forced" by authorities  to tag Espino, Pangasinan first district Rep. Jesus Celeste and himself  in the murder of  Martinez.