The Supreme Court (SC) First Division ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to comment on the petition for habeas corpus filed by the mother of the alleged suspect in the killing of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.
Authorities earlier identified the petitioner as Conchita Miranda, the mother of Marvin Miranda who was a former aide of suspended Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves Jr., and the alleged co-mastermind in the Degamo slay.
"The court, without giving due course thereto, resolves to required the respondent to comment thereon (not to file a motion to dismiss) within an non-extendible period of 10 days from notice," the SC said in its resolution dated April 17 but released only on June 22,.
In the habeas corpus petition, Conchita also prayed for the immediate release of his son and sought for issuance of a protection order to prohibit the occurrence of any attempt to violate Marvin's rights.
Conchita also asked the higher court to "suppress any evidence which emanated" from her son's illegal arrest.
Marvin was arrested in Barangay Mayabay, Barbaza, Antique, on March 31, weeks after the death of the former Negros Oriental governor.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier indicted him with 9 counts of murder, 3 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder.
Justice Secretary 'Boying' Remulla earlier revealed that Miranda is the "director" behind the recantation of the other suspects in Degamo's assassination.
Photo courtesy: Supreme Court - Public Information Office (SC-PIO)
