Pa in Colegio San Agustin gun-poking incident pleads not guilty

MANILA, Philippines - The father of a student at the Colegio San Agustin (CSA) who allegedly pointed a pistol at the head of his son's schoolmate in August, pleaded not guilty to the charge of grave threat before the Makati City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 65 Monday.

Dominic Balane, lawyer for the victim, 18-year old Jesus Manuel Garcia, said the court then set the case for mediation after accused Allan Bantiles pleaded not guilty.

It would be recalled that Garcia's lawyers had recommended the filing of attempted murder, slander and slander by deed charges against Bantiles. However, the  Makati City Prosecutor’s Office later reduced the recommended charges to grave threat.

"We have to comply with the mediation. Under the rules, this is mandatory. This is part of the pre-trial proceedings," said Balane.

Balane said MTC Branch 65 Judge Hernry Laron set the mediations on June 21 and on August 1.  Balane said the mediation sessions  are treated as confidential and will not be open to the public.

According to Balane, the case would proceed to a trial proper if the parties would be unable to settle after the  two mediation sessions.

"We will participate but I  could not say if the (Garcia) family is open. We will just have to see. We will also have to set the conditions of the settlement if ever," said Balane.

"The premise of the mediation is for the complainant to withdraw the case and decongest the docket," said Balane.

According to Balane, grave threat is considered a summary procedure case which is subject to mediation being an offense that only imposes an imprisonment of six months and a fine of P500.

Garcia was accompanied to the court room on Monday by his parents, said Balane.

"They (parents) were a bit tensed. But they had to be there to show their support to Jaymee (Jesus Manuel)," said Balane.

Bantiles, a construction contractor and a resident of 44 Stockholm St., Villareal Classica Village, Quezon City, earlier had his licenses for a Glock 9 mm pistol and a caliber .45 pistol revoked by the Philippine National Police in the wake of the alleged gun poking incident last August 30 at the CSA faculty room.

Garcia had accused Bantiles of slapping him in the face and pointing a caliber .45 pistol at his head.