Davao Court Issues Multiple Warrants Against Lascañas
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Davao City has issued multiple warrants of arrest against former police officer Arturo Lascañas. Lascañas, a confessed member of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), had his testimony instrumental in bringing former President Rodrigo Duterte’s case before the International Criminal Court (ICC). This development marks the latest legal action involving Lascañas in the Davao court.
Arrest Warrant for Online Libel
Judge Retrina Fuentes, presiding over RTC Branch 10, ordered Lascañas’s arrest on June 9 for a case of online libel under Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The court set bail at P48,000 and instructed law enforcement officers to present Lascañas in court or release him upon posting bail.
Additional Serious Charges
Besides online libel, Lascañas faces grave allegations including murder and attempted murder. On October 16, 2020, the court issued an alias warrant for his arrest on a murder charge, with no bail recommended. Two separate attempted murder charges carry bails set at P120,000 each. Authorities have been directed to execute all warrants within 10 days and report any difficulties in serving them.
Locations and Complainants
The arrest warrants list several addresses associated with Lascañas in Davao City, such as Bariquit Compound in Barangay Indangan and Roseville Subdivision in Buhangin village. Complainants in the murder and attempted murder cases include officers from the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Immigration, and the National Bureau of Investigation.
Background and ICC Testimony
Lascañas, a retired police officer and self-confessed DDS member, previously fled the country citing threats against his life. Later, he testified before the ICC, implicating former President Duterte in crimes against humanity related to the controversial war on drugs. Families of victims have lodged complaints against Duterte, escalating the case internationally.
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