DOJ summons Trillanes on kidnap case

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has summoned former senator Antonio Trillanes IV in a kidnapping complaint filed against him by a woman.

In a subpoena signed by Assistant State Prosecutor Gino Paolo Santiago, the DOJ ordered Trillanes, Jesuit priest Albert Alejo, a certain Sister Ling, and lawyer Jude Sabio to attend the preliminary investigation of the case on Oct. 11 and submit their counter-affidavits.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention against the four in August based on the sworn statement of Guillermina Lalic Barrido, also known as Guillerma Arcillas.

“You are hereby warned that failure on your part to comply with the subpoena shall be considered as waiver of your right for investigation to verify and confirm the allegations of your complaint,” Santiago said. 

 Barrido alleged that the respondents detained her in a convent in Metro Manila in December 2016 until she signed an affidavit accusing President Duterte of involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Trillanes denied the allegation, saying Barrido told Sabio about her claim against Duterte in 2016 but they decided she was not credible.

Trillanes described the charges as “another fabricated allegation from the Duterte administration,” saying he has never met Barrido. – Paolo Romero