NDF consultants’ urgent motion for release on bail now submitted for resolution

FILE PHOTO: Kabataan Partylist rallies for the release of political prisoners (Photo: Kabataan Partylist/Facebook)

MANILA—The urgent motion for release on bail for the three consultants of the National Democratic Front (NDF) is now submitted for resolution.

During the hearing on Thursday on the petition filed by spouses Wilma and Benito Tiamzon, and Adel Silva before the sala of Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 32 Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina, the prosecution, through the Department of Justice (DOJ), did not manifest any opposition to the urgent motion.

According to the DOJ, the grant of temporary liberty to the accused should be given under some conditions.

First, for the participation of the three petitioners in the peace talks in Oslo, Norway this month, hence, the court can allow them to do so.

Second, they will only be allowed until the termination of the peace talks.

Third, the three accused should post a bail bond of PHP100,000 each and that the bond will be cancelled upon the termination of the peace talks.

Fourth, they should submit to the court all their contact numbers; and

Fifth, they should report to the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Norway when necessary.

For his part, Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, representative of the Government Peace Panel, told the court that the role of the three is important in the conduct of the peace talks and in the past years, the court has granted such a motion.

Sarmiento also urged the judge to immediately render a decision because the day of the conduct of the peace talks is fast approaching.

The three petitioners are members of the peace panel of the NDF who needed to participate in the conduct of the peace talks in Oslo, Norway on Aug. 20.

They are facing charges of multiple murder before the Manila RTC in connection with the discovery of an alleged “mass grave” in the province of Leyte in 2006.