By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
MANILA — The Quezon City Regional Trial Court ordered the transfer of ranking Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leader Vicente Ladlad and his two companions from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) to the Metro Manila District Jail (MMDJ) in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
In a statement on Friday, QCPD Director, Chief Supt. Joselito T. Esquivel said Regional Trial Court Branch 93 Presiding Judge Arthur O. Malabaguio approved the commitment order on Nov. 15, providing the transfer of custody of Ladlad and Alberto Villamor to MMDJ, and Virginia Villamor to the Quezon City Female Dormitory located inside Camp Karingal.
Malabaguio also set the arraignment and pre-trial for the accused on November 23.
Earlier, Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Manuel Luis P. Felipe upheld the filing of violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9516 (Unlawful Possession of Explosives) with no bail recommended; violation of Sec. 28(c) and (e) of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), with bail set at PHP150,000 each; and violation of Sec. 28(b) and (e) of RA 10591, with bail set at PHP200,000.
Last Nov. 8, Ladlad and his companions were arrested at Lot 16-A, Block 3 Saint Mark St. corner Saint Joseph St., Doña Tomasa, Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City.
The raid was conducted by virtue of a search warrant issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 89 Judge Cecilyn E. Burgos-Villavert against the three suspects for violation of RA 10591.
During the search, which was witnessed by Barangay San Bartolome officials and the president of the Doña Tomasa Home Owners Association, several high-powered firearms, assorted ammunition, hand grenades and subversive documents were seized.
