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The case against the alleged recruiters of Mary Jane Veloso will proceed despite the supposed withdrawal of one of the witnesses, Veloso’s lawyers said on Fri, Aug 7.
In a statement, Atty. Edre Olalia said the case against Cristina Sergio (a.k.a. Maria Kristina Sergio) and Julius Lacanilao will proceed, as the witnesses have already submitted their statements.
Ana Marie Gonzales, in a one-page affidavit of desistance, dated August 4, 2015, said she is “no longer interested” in pursuing the case against Ma. Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao. However, no reason was given for her retraction.
“[A]ko ay hindi na interesado na ipagpatuloy pa ang habla laban kina Ma. Cristina Sergio at Julius Lacanilao; na dahil dito aking hinihiling sa kagalanag galang na hukom na ipawalang bisa na ang aking habla laban sa nabanggit na mga akusado,” Gonzales stated.
According to Olalia, Gonzales, along with other complainants, Lorna Mitch Valino, Jenalyn Paraiso and Teresa Candelaria, are also their witnesses and clients.
He then reminded the lawyers of the accused to “to be careful and circumspect in relating, dealing and handling the witnesses for the prosecution,” adding that it is “likely” that the accused has something to do with Gonzales’ withdrawal as witness.
“Given the capacity, resources, motive and reputation of the accused and their cohorts, they will do everything fair and foul to undermine the cases. The supposed withdrawal is therefore likely vitiated,” Olalia said.
He also assured the family of their clients that the case will proceed, and that they will formally enter their appearance as private prosecutors in all the cases in the Nueva Ecija trial court.
The next hearing will be on August 20. The arraignment last August 4 of Sergio and Lacanilao was again reset pending resolution of the motion for reconsideration of the denial of their motion to quash filed by their lawyers from the PAO.
Olalia added that NUPL continues to await any acknowledgement, reply or update from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to its letters sent in previous months.
“At all events, we remain confident and vigilant that more than ever, there are even greater and increasing legal, political and moral grounds to implore anew for permanent and full clemency for hapless human trafficking victim Mary Jane,” Olalia said.
Photo: Johnson Manabat, dzMM (Twitter)
This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
