Suspect in Ateneo shooting to undergo mental health test

Chao Tiao Yumol

MANILA, Philippines–The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 has granted the request for an examination of the mental health of Dr. Chao Tiao Yumol, the suspect in the Ateneo de Manila University gun attack that left former Lamitan, Basilan mayor Rose Furigay, and two others dead.

According to Quirino Esguerra, a lawyer of the Furigay family, the request was made by Yumol’s lawyer.

“The arraignment was deferred to Sept. 16. The lawyer of the accused asked the court that he be checked by a medical expert for exhibiting symptoms of having an unsound mind,” Atty. Quirino Esguerra told reporters Thursday.

Also killed in the gun attack were Furigay’s assistant Victor Capistrano, and Jeneven Bandiala, a security guard at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Yumol is facing three counts of murder and one count of frustrated murder for the injuries sustained by Hannah Rose Marian Furigay, the late former mayor’s daughter.

Esguerra said the court will designate a doctor from the National Center for Mental Health to examine Yumol.

Esguerra said they are dismayed by the turn of events.

“I would like to point out that when he was arraigned in MeTC Branch 133, he pleaded not guilty. We were surprised today that they wouldn’t like him to be arraigned,” he said.

“As the legal counsel of the [Furigay]family, the family expresses its dismay. However, we have to follow the legal process,” Esguerra added.

On Sept. 16, Esguerra said they will ask the court to proceed with the arraignment, pre-trial and trial proper.

RELATED STORY:

Doc in Ateneo shooting pleads ‘not guilty’ to illegal gun possession, malicious mischief

/MUF