(Eagle News)–A court has ordered the release of former Bayan Muna Rep.Satur Ocampo and several others who were arrested recently.
Executive Judge Arlene Palabrica of the 11th judicial region said Ocampo, Rep. France Castro, Meggie Nolasco, Edgar Ugal, Eller Ordeza, Jurie Jaime, Ryan Magpayo, Jesus Modamo, Maria Concepcion Ibarra, Maryro Poquita, Jenveive Paraba, Maricel Angdagkit, Marcial Rendon, Mariane Aga, Ariel Ansan, Merhaya Talledo, Wingwing Daunsay and Nerfa Awing should be released after posting an P80,000 bail each.
Counsel for the police Louie Padillo had argued they would not release the respondents, noting the amount of bail specified was only for violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Law.
Padillo also argued Ocampo and the others were “still undergoing preliminary investigation for kidnapping and failure to return a minor and have waived Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code.”
“We have advised (prosecuting officer) lawyer Padillo to file a pleading and the other lawyer to clarify the matter with Prosecutor (Norman) Solis, to enable us to rule on it. They failed to heed the advice,” the court said.
“We must rule in favor of the respondents” since “any person in custody who is not yet charged in court may apply for bail with any court in the province, city or municipality where he is held,” the court said, even as it lauded Padillo’s argument and the police’s work.
They are “still presumed innocent and no information have been filed against them, their supreme right to liberty must be upheld,” the court said.
