SC allows ex-NPA chief Rodolfo Salas to post bail

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has allowed former communist rebel leader Rodolfo Salas to post bail for a murder case he is facing.

According to SC’s Third Division on Monday, Salas — also known as Kumander Bilog — is ordered released once he complies with the cash bond amounting to P200,000.

Salas, who was jailed from 1986 to 1992 for rebellion after leading the New People’s Army (NPA) from 1976 to 1986, is facing the charges before  Branch 32 of the Regional Trial Court in Manila.

“The Court resolves to: order the provisional release of Rodolfo C. Salas in Criminal Case Nos. 08-262163 (formerly H-1581) and 14-306533 to 14-306546 upon posting of a cash bond of P200,000.00 in the Regional Trial Court of Manila, unless he is being detained for some other lawful cause,” SC said in a resolution.

However, Salas’ petition for a temporary restraining order on the case was denied.

Salas is facing at least 15 counts of murder in connection to a mass grave that was found in Inopacan, Leyte province.  Salas’ lawyer says that the cases violate the rules against double jeopardy, as the communist rebel has already served jail time for his crimes.

READ: Murder charges vs Salas ‘double jeopardy’—lawyer