Kumander Bilog’s arraignment reset to March 17

MANILA, Philippines — The arraignment of former Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) chair Rodolfo Salas was rescheduled for March 17.

This, after a Manila court agreed to postpone the proceedings until the Supreme Court has issued a response to the petition for a writ of habeas corpus submitted by Salas’ son, Jody, through the assistance of Free Legal Assistance Group.

The younger Salas told the Inquirer that the defense asked the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina to reschedule the arraignment because Salas did not undergo preliminary investigation.

Salas, 72, also known as “Kumander Bilog,” was among those charged with 29 counts of murder for the Inopacan, Leyte, massacre allegedly committed by New People’s Army rebels. —Nikka G. Valenzuela