The decision of the Office of the President to sustain the appeal filed by the lawyer of the four policemen accused in the kidnapping and murder Eleuterio Salabas may affect the case, but the victim's family said it is taking the decision constructively.

Tom Orola, brother-in-law of Salabas, told the DAILY STAR in a phone interview that he has not received official copies of the decision of the Office of the President yet, but if it is true, it connotes a "very good development." He said he believes the truth will come out sooner and they have to prove who is telling the truth. The decision, released by the Office of the President will give them a chance to find out which side the Philippine National Police command is taking, he said.

Meanwhile, Ernesto Treyes, legal counsel of the four accused policemen, yesterday told the DAILY STAR, the Office of the President sustained his appeal in favor of his clients Chief Insp. Clarence Dongail, Senior Insp. Jonathan Lorilla, PO3 Allen Winston Hulleza and PO2 Bernardo Cimatu.

Earlier, Treyes had filed an appeal before the Office of the President contesting the resolution of DOJ secretary, which recommended the filing of the amended criminal information against six police officers and 10 other civilian authorities.

Treyes said his appeal asked that the Department of Justice resolution be set aside and declared null and void; and the resolutions of the public prosecutor of Dumaguete City be sustained and the criminal charges against the accused be dismissed.

Treyes also said he has not yet received a copy of the decision of the Office of the President so he can not conclude if the decision of the Office of the President includes the other respondents. But he said he made a representation that once the case is resolved and granted by the Office of the President, the resolution will be completely reversed and the other respondents be benefited by it. The 10 policemen and 11 civilians were accused for the death of former Brgy. Pahanocoy Captain Eleuterio Salabas, Maximo Lomoljo Jr. and Ricardo Suganob, court records said.

Treyes said he considered his appeal to the Office of the President as a "road less traveled" but he is confident that it was a proper remedy for the case.

The order from the Office of the President, naturally and logically speaking, means the warrant of arrest should be dissolved, he said.

Also named respondents in the kidnapping with murder complaint are Chief Insp. Jimmy Fortaleza, Senior Insp. Bonifer Gotas, SPO1 Freddie Natividad, SPO1 Nelson Grijaldo, PO2s Dennis Belandres and Ruel Villacanas and police asset Richard "Tisoy" Salazar. The others are businessman Manolo Escalante, Ronnie Herrera, July Flores alias Kirhat dela Rosa, Carlo delos Santos alias Caloy, Lorraine Abay alias Lulu, Mamerto, Elma and Elson all surnamed Cañete, Jude Montilla and Ramonito Estanislao.*DMG

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