Carnap suspects’ daughter withdraws petitions

THE daughter of a couple accused of keeping stolen sports utility vehicles yesterday withdrew two petitions which were filed following her parents’ arrest.

Lawyer Gregorio Refugio decided not to pursue the petition for the writ of amparo after the police agreed to leave their posts outside the residence of the petitioner in barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

The petition for writ of habeas corpus, on the other hand, was also deemed moot and academic after the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office ordered the release of Mary Ann Entote.

Entote’s daughter earlier filed in court a petition for a writ of habeas corpus which questioned Entote’s arrest last Thursday.

Another petition for a writ of amparo was filed, asking the court to ensure the security of Entote’s children.

Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Rodulf Joseph Val Carillo found the arrest of Mary Entote irregular and ordered her release last Monday.

Carillo said there was no evidence that a crime was committed by Entote during the arrest.

The two complaints filed by the police against Entote, however, remained.

Entote is facing charges for violating Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code and Republic Act 6539 or the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972.

She was accused of tampering plate numbers and failing to register  motor vehicle engine, engine block and chassis.

Entote’s husband Jovel was arrested last Tuesday for purportedly selling a van in Quezon City to a lending company in Bacolod City.

Jovel was brought to Camp Crame./REPORTER ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL