SC issues protection writ for minor

The controversial media man Jaime
 Aquino - the witness' father

MANILA (UPDATE) - The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a Writ of Amparo in favor of couple Jaime and Ester Aquino who urged the high court to order the release of their 16-year-old son to their custody. In a statement, the high court's Public Information Office (PIO) said that the couple's petition is referred to the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals (CA) for immediate raffle. The appellate court is directed to hear the petition on Feb. 28 and decide the case within 10 days after submission for resolution. 
 The couple asked the high court to order the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to release the minor, a witness in the slay of Infanta, Pangasinan Mayor Ruperto Martinez, from its custody. The witness claims he has personal knowledge about Martinez's killing. He alleged that his father participated in the planning of the killing, along with Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino, Jr. and Pangasinan 1st District Rep. Jesus Celeste. His testimony prompted the NBI to file a complaint for murder against his father, Espino and Celeste. The high court directed the Department of Justice (DOJ), NBI and Akap Bata Caritas to make a verified return of the writ within 72 hours upon receipt. The minor stays under the custody of the NBI during the pendency of the hearing of the case (by Ina Reformina, ABS-CBN News).