Dismissed police superintendent Ma. Cristina Nobleza and alleged Abu Sayyaf bomber husband Renierlo Dongon are scheduled to appear before two Bohol courts next week, said an official of the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO).
The police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity told DYRD Balita that Dongon and Nobleza who were arrested in Bohol last April will be tried before the 2nd Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) in Tubigon for resistance and disobedience to persons in authority cases on August 22.
According to the BPPO official, both suspects will also be brought before the Regional Trial Court Branch 48 in Tagbilaran City on August 25 for their scheduled arraignment on charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
Stringent security measures are already being prepared for the arrival of Nobleza and Dongon who are currently detained at Camp Crame in Quezon City as “high-risk” detainees, said the police source.
Dongon and Nobleza who were married under Muslim rites were last in the province on June 6 for a scheduled arraignment before the MCTC in Tubigon.
Both pleaded not guilty to resistance and disobedience to persons in authority and obstruction of justice charges filed against them for allegedly attempting to rescue Abu Sayyaf stragglers who were being hunted down by government troops in Bohol from April to May.
Nobleza and Dongon were arrested by police at a security checkpoint in Barangay, Bacani, Clarin on April 22 amid clashes between the Abu Sayyaf and government troops in Bohol.
They were taken into police custody together with Dongon’s mother, Judith, and a minor believed to be his sibling who were also inside the vehicle driven by Nobleza.
Early in July, Philippine National Police chief Director Gen. Ronald dela Rosa signed the dismissal order against Nobleza who he accused of “sleeping with the enemy.” (Rey Tutas)