SC junks Ardot Parojinog’s protection plea

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has junked the petition for protection of detained former Ozamiz City councilor Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog from what he claimed as harassment and threats against him by authorities.

The SC decided in full session on July 2 to dismiss  Parojinog’s writ of amparo petition, saying he is not entitled to it because he is under police custody.

It was for the same reason that the high tribunal rejected Parojinog’s plea for issuance of a temporary protection order.

The STAR learned that the magistrates decided to dismiss the petitions without asking the respondents to file an answer. Named respondents in the petitions were Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde, Ozamiz City police chief Jovie Espenido and Ozamiz regional trial court judge Soliver Peras.

In the petitions filed on June 19, Parojinog cited “continuous threat to his life, liberty and security.”

He also sought his transfer from the Quezon City jail to the Ozamiz City jail and for his cases to be heard before the Ozamiz City regional trial court.

Parojinog is facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition and illegal possession of firearms and explosives.