Ateneo shooter’s arraignment reset

MANILA, Philippines — A Quezon City court deferred yesterday the arraignment of doctor Chao Tiao Yumol on charges of three counts of murder, frustrated murder and car theft in connection with the shooting at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).

Yumol was supposed to be arraigned through video conferencing, but the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 reset the proceedings upon the request of his lawyer to have him undergo a medical examination.

Yumol’s counsel told the court that he needs to be examined by doctors as he is “exhibiting symptoms of insanity.”

The court granted the request of Yumol and reset his arraignment to Sept. 16.

The court will designate a doctor who will examine Yumol.

Yumol shot dead former mayor Rosita Furigay of Lamitan, Basilan, her executive assistant Victor Capistrano and Ateneo security guard Jeneven Bandiala.

Furigay was supposed to attend the graduation of her daughter, Hannah, at the ADMU Law school when the shooting happened on July 24.

Hannah was wounded in the gun attack and remains confined in a hospital.

The lawyer for the Furigay family, Quirino Esguerra, said they are dismayed by the attempt of Yumol to put up a defense of insanity.

Esguerra, who was present during the proceedings, said they want the case to proceed to trial so the Furigays and the families of the other victims can obtain justice.

“Dismayed po ang pamilya Furigay kasi gusto na namin matapos itong trial na ito,” he said.

On Wednesday, Furigay was laid to rest in the family’s property in Barangay Limo-ok. Mayor Roderick Furigay attended the funeral rites along with grieving residents.

The Department of Justice did not oppose the decision of the Quezon City court to reset the arraignment of Yumol to determine if he has a sound mind to stand trial, DOJ Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said.

Malcontento said they usually do not pose objection to requests for a criminal suspect to undergo a medical examination.

“This is procedural. This is the discretion of the judge,” he said. “Usually in cases like this, we do not object.”

A doctor from the National Center for Mental Health will reportedly be asked to examine Yumol’s mental condition. – Evelyn Macairan