The Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 32 granted temporary liberty to National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultants Benito and Wilma Tiamzon and Adelberto Silva to attend the resumption of formal peace talks this month in Oslo, Norway.
In an order issued Friday, Manila RTC Branch 32 Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina ordered the Tiamzons and Adelberto Silva to post P100,000 bail.
The court also allowed the three to travel, lifting the hold departure order against them.
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“Anent accused movants’ prayers for the issuance of an order allowing them to travel abroad, this court likewise grants the same in interest of and pursuant to the government’s intent to enter peace agreement with the organization they represent,” the court said.
The Manila Court has granted the Tiamzon’s and Silva’s request after the prosecutors through the Department of Justice (DOJ) did not oppose the motion.
The prosecutors did not oppose the motion after Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II issued a memorandum saying the NDFP consultants can attend the peace talks subject to the following conditions: (1) their release shall be for the purpose of their attendance and participation in the formal peace talks in Norway and until the duration of the talks. Once the peace negotiation is terminated, the bonds shall be cancelled and (2) each accused shall pay P100,000 bail.
Aside from the Tiamzons and Silva, the court also allowed Rafael Baylosis to post P150,000 bail and attend the peace talks in Norway. RAM/rga
READ: NDF consultant granted bail, to attend peace talks in Norway