Garcia trial finally grinds after almost two years

RBIEN-UNIDO – AFTER hearing the suspects' not guilty pleading for murder of the late board member elect Felix Garcia, Regional Trial Court Branch 52 Judge Irma Zita Masamayor has set case trial this May 16, almost two years after the incident happened.

According to lawyer Handel Lagunay, counsel of the victim, the presiding judge has earlier set the trial last April but was cancelled the same due to the court head's important appointment. After May 16, hearings will also be set on June 13, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept 11, Oct. 16, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11 as Judge Masamayor gives the prosecution the chance to present their witnesses and exhibits.

Reports said the prosecution plans to present six to eight witnesses during the schedule given by the court. With the development coming excruciatingly slow, Bien Unido Mayor Marianita Garcia, widow of the late Board Member hopes that the wheels would not stop spinning so the court could resolve the case.

The murder of the late board member happened June 26, 2004 , or four days before the victim was to take his oath of office as elected board member representing the second district of Bohol. During the incident, Mayor Garcia was back-riding on the idling family motorcycle driven by the victim in front of Talibon Cultural Center .

The case was pending for months as suspects were for a long time at large. One suspect was nabbed in his residence in Ozamis City while second suspect surrendered to former Bohol PNP Provincial Commander Supt. Sancho Bernales. The two suspects; Rex Revelo and Ricardo Mascariñas are now detained at the Bohol Detention and Rehabilitation Center while waiting for the result of their case.

l