Decision to bring Dongon to Oro in hands of judges, cops: Moreno
Nitz Arancon2 min read
By NITZ ARANCONCorrespondent
MAYOR Oscar Moreno yesterday said he was leaving the decision to bring suspected Abu Sayyaf bomber Reneer Lou Dongon to the city or not in the hands of prosecutors, judges and the police.
“I leave that up to the police, to the prosecution arm, and to the judiciary,” Moreno told the Gold Star Daily.
Misamis Oriental Vice Gov. Jose Mari Pelaez shared the same view, pointing out that there was nothing local officials could do if the courts would require Dongon to be brought into the city despite the security risks he poses.
“If the court will order that he be brought here, we cannot do anything about it,” said Pelaez who chairs the provincial board’s peace and order committee.
Dongon, an alleged bomb maker arrested in Bohol last month, has cases being handled by two regional courts here in connection with two deadly bombings in the city.
Dongon has a case for double murder and double frustrated murder at the 23rd branch of the Regional Trial Court here under Judge Vincent Rosales sa RTC Branch 23. It was Rosales who ordered him arrested on July 15, 2016 pertaining to the bombing outside Maxandrea Hotel in October 2012.
Dongon also has a similar case at the 18th branch of the Regional Trial Court under Judge Bonifacio Macabaya in connection with the Kyla’s Bistro Bar, Limketkai Center bombing on July 26, 2013.
Moreno said where Dongon would be detained and tried is not the call of local officials.
But he said the police would make sure that security measures would be in place in case the decision is to bring Dongon to the city for trial.
But while Dongon could be brought to the city as part of a “normal” legal process, Moreno said the Supreme Court could order Dongon tried elsewhere.
“Naa man poy mga pamaagi where the trial is held outside of the place ... allowed naman kana sa Korte Suprema,” Moreno said.