Aloguinsan row: 34 people plead not guilty

THE 34 protestors  who  clashed with the police last Aug. 29 to stop the fencing of the disputed Hacienda Gantuangco in Aloguinsan town, midwest Cebu, pleaded “not guilty” yesterday.

They were arraigned on charges of resisting arrest and direct assault before Regional Trial Court Judge Hermes Montero of Branch 59 in Toledo City.

The protestors were assisted by lawyers Ian Manticajon, Kim Mendoza and Alfonso Cinco..

Five other accused were not present during the proceedings. They will be arraigned on Feb. 16, 2012.

In an interview, Manticajon said they earlier requested the judge to inhibit from handling the case.

Since the motion for inhibition has yet to be resolved, the judge decided to arraign the accused.

Of the 39 accused, Manticajon said three are students, three are minors, while the rest are farmers.

Around 100 people waited outside the Toledo City Hall of Justice to show support for the accused. They brought with them placards calling for justice.

The  farmers and three college students were arrested last Aug. 29 after they clashed with policemen over ownership of an agricultural land in  Aloguinsan.

Police said they attacked law enforcers with  pieces of wood, bamboo lances, scythes, bolos, slingshots, Indian arrows and knives when police  enforced the court order allowing the Gantuangco family to fence a parcel of land in barangay Bonbon, Aloguinsan.

All the accused posted bail.

The bail money was provided by st them. /ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL