Court resets Roxas murder case hearing on Dec. 2
ROXAS CITY – Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 17 presided by Judge Edward Contreras has rescheduled the hearing on the the murder case of slain Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) dyVR broadcaster Martin Roxas on December 2, 2008.
The resetting of the hearing came after the denial of the city prosecutors' office of the motion for reinvestigation filed by the lawyers of the accused Kristian Tan and Joenel Lastimoso.
Contreras told The News Today (TNT) that he deferred the said hearing as part of the court procedural due process since the two accused also have their rights.
The two accused are assisted by Atty. Marites Layo of this city and Atty. Ma, Remalaine Joy Tipo of Iloilo City.
Earlier, Ignacio formed a special panel of three-men prosecutors headed by Asst. City Prosecutor Salvador Dellota for the purpose of conducting a speedy inquest-investigation and evaluation of the case.
The panel found that there was "probable cause" that would warrant the filing of murder charges against the suspects.
Ignacio also formed special panel of investigators, namely, 3rd prosecutor Chuchi Asis-Ramos; 4th prosecutor James Advincula and 4th prosecutor Alma Banias Delfin.
The chief of prosecutor likewise formed trial prosecutors namely: 1st prosecutor Anthony Firmalino, 3rd prosecutor Chuchi Asis Ramos and 4th prosecutor Alma Banias Delfin.
The formation of special prosecutors according to Ignacio is for a speedy trial of the murder case and resolution of the case.
Fourteen witnesses signified interest to to testify against the suspects, four of whom are civilians and 10 are policemen.
No bailbond was recommended against the suspects who were arrested at the check point in Ivisan an hour later after the incident.
Roxas was gunned down by two motorcycle-riding suspects at around 1:30 p.m. on August 7 along Bayot Drive here. He has just finished his noontime program "Targetanay sa Udto" and was about to go home for lunch when shot by the suspects.
He was buried last August 24 at the Maayon Public Cemetery where thousands of supporters, family and friends attended the interment.