A Regional Trial Court in Tagum City, Davao del Norte has recalled the warrant of arrest against Cordillera Peoples Alliance Chair Windel Bolinget and four others and ordered the reinvestigation of the murder case filed against them.
RTC Branch 30 Judge Sharon Rose Saracin issued the order on Feb. 19 in response to the motions for reinvestigation and suspension of the implementation or recall of the issued warrant of arrest respectively filed by Bolinget, Lutgardo Jurcales Jr., Jackie Valencia, Agnes Mesina, and Reynaldo Garneng.
Saracin stated the order will give time for Bolinget and others to rebut the charges filed against them.
The Office of the Provincial Prosecutor-Davao del Norte was also directed to conduct reinvestigation on the matter and submit a report within 30 days from receipt of the notice.
Bolinget and 10 individuals were accused of killing Garito Tiklonay Malibato on March 22, 2018 in Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Bolinget said he never set foot in that place.
The CPA maintained Bolinget is innocent. He has since sought refuge with the National Bureau of Investigation for his safety following the P100,000 bounty offered by the police for his arrest.
The CPA added the Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Committee resolution pushing for tokhang tactic on left-leaning individuals adds as a threat to Bolinget, who was earlier red-tagged by the police. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 26, 2024
