Former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother, former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes. PHOTO BY PNP-PIO
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY–Accused murder suspects former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and former Coron, Palawan, mayor Mario Reyes, declined to enter a plea during Friday’s arraignment at the Palawan Regional Trial Court, prompting the court to enter a “not guilty” plea for them.
The Reyes brothers’ defense counsel tried to secure a two-week postponement of the arraignment but was denied by Branch 52 Presiding Judge Angelo Arizala, citing Supreme Court precedent ruling.
READ: What went before: The Reyes brothers
Arizala is also set to rule on the Reyeses’ petition to transfer their detention to the National Bureau of Investigation after 10 days. The suspects are currently detained at the Puerto Princesa City Jail.
The case pre-trial conference was set for December 3, 2015.
The arraignment was held under tight security, with about 100 supporters of broadcast journalist Dr. Gerry Ortega holding a picket outside the Palawan Hall of Justice and flanked by truncheon wielding anti-riot police.
The family of Ortega attended the arraignment and met the suspected masterminds for the first time since the murder of Ortega on January 24, 2011.
“It was a very difficult moment for all of us. We hope we can finally find justice for my dad,” the victim’s eldest daughter Michaella said. Redempto D. Anda, Inquirer Southern Luzon/CDG
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