Arrest warrant out vs PCG personnel tagged in Taiwanese shooting

MANILA, Philippines—The Batanes Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 13 has ordered  the arrest of  eight coast guard men involved in the shooting incident in the Balintang Channel on May 2013 that killed a Taiwanese fisherman.

The arrest warrant was issued  by Judge Ramon Barona for the eight Coast Guard involved in the incident. Facing arrest for homicide are:

Commander Officer Arnold Enriquez de la Cruz
Seaman First Class (SFC) Ebrando Quiapo Aguila
SFC Mhelvin Aguilar Bendo II
SFC Andy Gibb Ronario Golfo
SFC Sunny Galang Masangkay
SFC Henry Baco Solomon
Seaman Second Class Nicky Renold Aurello
Petty Officer 2 Richard Fernandez Corpuz

Barona said he “examined the records of the case and found the formal certification of the Investigating Prosecuters (DOJ) finding probable cause  against the accused for the crime charge to have sufficient actual and legal basis.”

The bail was fixed at P40,000 for the temporary liberty of the accused.

Barona’s order was dated April 7, but the DOJ received a copy of the order only on Monday, April 21.

Last March, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed homicide and obstruction of justice cases against eight Philippine Coast Guard personnel involved in the Balintang Channel shooting last May 2013.
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