Parojinog siblings ask court’s nod to attend parents’ wake, burial

Vice Mayor Nova Parojinog-Echaves (center) arrives at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 from Ozamiz City. Behind her in a Nike jacket is her brother, Reynaldo Parojinog Jr. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

The Parojinog siblings Ozamiz City Vice Mayor Nova Princess and Reynaldo Jr. have asked the Ozamiz City Regional Trial Court Branch 15 to allow them to attend the wake of their parents and other family members who were killed in a raid conducted by the police last month.

In separate Extremely Urgent Motion for Furlough, the siblings asked the court that they be allowed to attend the last day of the wake on Aug. 13, 2017.

Both accused said they will take all the necessary expenses including airfare and accommodations  that will be incurred by their police escorts and jail guards while attending the wake and burial of their parents and family members.

“In the spirit of compassion and humanity, the accused humbly begs for furlough from this Honorable Court to allow him to join his remaining family members in Ozamiz City to grieve, pay their last respects, and bid goodbye to the accused’s departed parents and loved ones,” the Parojinog siblings said.

The siblings specifically wanted to attend the wake and burial of their parents Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Sr. and mother Susan, uncle Octavio Jr. and aunt Mona.

The siblings insisted that they still enjoy the presumption of innocence even if a non-bailable offense has been filed against them.

Nova Princess is facing a case for Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 specifically Section 11 for possession of dangerous drugs and violation of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition under Section 28 of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

On the other hand, her brother Reynaldo Jr. is facing three counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. He is also facing a separate case for illegal possession of explosives under RA 9516 and possession of dangerous drugs under RA 9165.

The siblings were arrested in a simultaneous raids conducted by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG). JE