Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala. FILE PHOTO
KALIBO, Aklan, Philippines — Detained communist rebel leader Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala pleaded not guilty during her arraignment for a 1981 murder case at the Aklan Regional Trial Court.
Bocala entered her plea before the RTC Branch 2 presided by Judge Cicero Lampasa.
Bocala is among those accused in the killing of Metodio Inisa on Sept. 17, 1975 at Barangay Panipiason in Madalaag town in Aklan.
Bocala’s lead legal counsel said they oppose in open court a motion of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to transfer Bocala to the BJMP facility in Iloilo, four hours’ travel away from Kalibo.
Bocala was arrested in Iloilo City on Aug. 1. She is the alleged secretary of the Panay regional committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Nestor P. Burgos Jr., Inquirer Visayas/CDG
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