Parojinog siblings renew appeal to visit parents’ wake

MANILA, Philippines - After being denied by the court, Ozamiz Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez and her brother Reynaldo Parojinog Jr. made their appeal to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa to allow them to attend the wake of their parents.

The siblings made the appeal in a handwritten letter made public yesterday by their lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio.

“We are appealing to PDG Ronald dela Rosa to help us so we could visit for the last time our papa and mama, even just on the last day of the wake,” they said.

The siblings are detained at the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City following the raid at their family compound in Ozamiz City last July 30 that left their father mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., their mother Susan and other close relatives dead.

Police raided the family compound on suspicions of high-level illegal drug trade.

“They are making this personal appeal,” Topacio said. He added they have yet to receive a response from Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa was not available for comment but PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said only the court can decide on the request.

Ozamiz regional trial court Judge Edmundo Pintac earlier denied the request, citing security concerns.

The court also took into consideration a confidential report from Ozamiz police director Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido that supporters of the Parojinogs might stage a “daring and bloody rescue” if they are allowed furlough.

The siblings denied there is sauch a move, accusing Espenido of making it up.

“There is no truth to those intelligence reports because we have no capacity to commit violence,” they said.