Joavan to stay behind bars; Talisay folk relieved

JOAVAN Fernandez will spend time in the Talisay jail following his arrest last Monday evening after charges are being readied for illegal possession of firearm and explosives and violation of the election gun ban.

“He can’t post bail. I think he’s better off locked in jail than harming the community,” said Chief Supt. Patrocinio Comendador Jr., Cebu provincial police chief.

Joavan is also the subject of a pending complaint of slight physical injuries.

The adopted son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez didn’t ask for a preliminary investigation during inquest proceedings.

Talisay City prosecutor William Canta said Joavan who oped to have cases filed before the Regional Trial Court (RTC), can still post bail for the charges.

“He was advised by his lawyers to apply for bail in court,” Canta said.

Only photos of the firearm and bullets confiscated from Joavan were presented by prosecutors.

Talisay City police said they confiscated a revolver with bullets, a grenade, two lighters and foil with cigarettes from Joavan.

Joavan told reporters the evidence was planted on him by the police. Joavan didn’t resist when police served him an arrest warrant near his father’s home.

Talisay City officials allied with the Alayon Party commended the police for Joavan’s arrest.

City Administrator and Alayon Party campaign manager Ritchel Bacaltos said Joavan should face the charges in court and it is to the party’s interest that he keep out of trouble.

A certain Fajardo, who claimed that she fell in canal after being pushed out by a speeding car driven by Joavan, said she was relieved that he was arrested.

She said they’ve been afraid of Joavan everytime he passes by their area.

“Maayo kaayo si Mayor Soc, iya ra mang anak ang nagpabadlong (Mayor Soc is good it’s his son that is a headache),” she said.

Rudy Jabagat, a 60-year-old resident of barangay Dumlog, said while Joavan is a headache he won’t harm anyone whom he doesn’t consider as a threat to him.

“While we are disappointed with the mayor’s tolerance towards Joavan, we understand his sentiments since he’s a father,” Jabagat said. Correspondents Joy Cherry Quito, Gabriel C. Bonjoc and Tweeny M. Malinao