The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday has asked the Manila regional trial court (RTC) for the cancellation of bail of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leaders Benito Tiamzon, his wife Wilma Tiamzon, and Edilberto Silva in view of President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to terminate peace talks with rebels.
In a motion signed by State Prosecutors Olivia Laroza-Torrevillas and Aristotle Reyes, DOJ sought for the return of the Red leaders in jail stating that there is “no more legal ground for the continuous provisional liberty” of the rebel leaders.
“In view of the cancellation of the peace talks, there is no more legal ground for the continuous provisional liberty of the accused; thus, the immediate recommitment and cancellation of bail of all the accused should logically follow,” read the motion dated November 28 filed before Manila RTC Branch 32.
Benito Tiamzon is believed to be the chairman of CPP-NPA while Wilma Tiamzon is identified as the secretary-general of the group.
On August 19, the rebel leaders were earlier granted a temporary liberation to participate in the peace talks between Philippine government and the Reds.
However, on November, the chief executive has formally signed the proclamation which formally terminates peace talks with the communist rebels saying that the communist party “have failed to show their sincerity and commitment in pursuing genuine and meaningful peaceful negotiations.”
[READ: Duterte officially ends peace talks with Reds]
The CPP leaders are facing multiple murder charges before Manila RTC Branch 32 over the discovered mass grave with at least 67 skeletal remains in sitio Sapang Dako, Caulisihan, Inopacan, Leyte.