By Matthew Go
Four police officers from the Calamba intelligence unit in Laguna have pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and illegal detention during their arraignment on Thursday afternoon. The officers—Capt. Joseph Natividad, S/Sgt. France Male, Cpl. Gerald Casanova, and Pat. Rudy Burda—appeared in court with their legal counsel.
The officers are accused of kidnapping two men, Diolito Garay and Aldy Raquion, who have been missing since their alleged abduction. The relatives of the victims, including Garay’s daughter, Joy, attended the proceedings. Owen de Luna, head of the National Police Commission-Calabarzon, was also present and confirmed that witnesses, along with the victims’ families, had identified the officers during a police lineup.
The first hearing for the case is scheduled for November 20. In addition, the accused officers have filed motions seeking a transfer of custody and for bail. Natividad, Male, and Casanova are currently in custody under regional police, while Burda voluntarily surrendered to Lt. Col. Titoy Cuden, the Calamba police chief.