Lawyers of Makati bar released after 24-hour detention

After spending more than 24 hours in detention at the Makati police station, the three lawyers, who were arrested by police for allegedly obstructing the implementation of a search warrant inside a Makati bar, walked out of jail on Friday night.

An order signed by Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Romel Odronia recommended the release of lawyers Lenie Rocel Rocha, 25; Jan Vincent Sambrano, 32; and Romulo Bernardo Alarkon, 33, lawyers from the Desierto and Desierto law firm which represents the owners of Time in Manila bar on Makati Avenue.

The order dated Aug. 17 was recommended for approval by Deputy City Prosecutor Henry Salazar and approved by Senior City Deputy Prosecutor Emmanuel Medina.

BREAK: After more than 24 hours after their arrest, the three lawyers of Desierto & Desierto law firm, were released from detention at Makati police station, upon an order of the fiscal. Preliminary investigation is scheduled at Aug. 28. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/niPm5zSuvL

— Dexter Cabalza (@dexcabalzaINQ) August 17, 2018

The three lawyers, however, are not yet off the hook as they need to return to the Makati Prosecutor’s Office for the preliminary investigation scheduled on Aug. 28.

“There is a necessity to conduct a preliminary investigation to give complainants opportunity to submit additional evidence in support of their complaint, and for the respondents to submit controverting evidence,” Odronia wrote.

The order was given to the custodians of Makati police station at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

The freed lawyers were silent when they stepped out of the police station at around 8 p.m. They were welcomed by their families and friends.

Police said the lawyers have undergone inquest proceedings for charges of constructive possession of illegal drugs under Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9165, as well as obstruction of justice, resistance and disobedience to persons of authorities, and violation of a city ordinance that bars civilians from crossing a police line.

According to the Makati police, the three lawyers were arrested on Aug. 16 initially for obstruction of justice after they “entered the premises of the bar, took several pictures and videos of the scene, and intimidated the members of the searching team without proper and prior coordination.” /muf