SC issues writ of habeas corpus for Salas

March 5, 2020

The Supreme Court has issued a writ of habeas corpus for former New People's Army leader Rodolfo Salas, recently arrested in Angeles City for murder.

In a notice Thursday, the SC’s Third Division issued a writ of habeas corpus and ordered the warden of the Manila City Jail to present before them Salas, alias "Kumander Bilog” on March 12, and to justify continued detention.

“In view of the foregoing, the Court resolves to issue a writ of habeas corpus and order respondent JCInsp. Lloyd Gonzaga to make a verified return . . . of the writ of habeas corpus before the Third Division of this Court within a non-extendible period of five days from the service of the writ,” the high court declared.

Salas was arrested on February 18 on a warrant for murder over allegations he was part of the Communist Party of the Philippines Central Committee that in the 1980s allegedly ordered persons believed enemies of the party executed.

Police claimed they seized a gun and ammunition from the 72-year-old Salas.

His son, Jody, argued his father could not be charged with murder because his conviction for rebellion in 1991 was based on a plea bargain.

Salas was imprisoned from 1986 to 1992.

Through lawyers from the Free Legal Assistance Group, Jody said his father's detention violated his rights to due process and against double jeopardy.

Salas is detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City. Originally scheduled for February 28, his arraignment before a Manila court was reset to March 17 due to the SC petition. DMS