Lt. Col. Ferdinand Marcelino raises his hands as he leaves the DOJ building after attending the preliminary hearing at the office of Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva at the Department of Justice in Manila. (Philippine Daily Inquirer File Photo)
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QCRTC) on Friday issued a release order for Marine Lieutenant Colonel Ferdinand Marcelino who was arrested last January in Manila where authorities also seized P380-million worth of illegal drugs.
QCRTC Branch 82 Judge Lyn Ebora Cacha issued the release order after Marcelino has posted a surety bond for his temporary liberty.
The court granted Marcelino’s motion for bail saying there was not enough evidence to deny Marcelino’s request for temporary liberty.
The court noted that “Marcelino was found on the ground floor and there were no illegal drugs confiscated in his possession or in his immediate vicinity.”
The court added that there was no proof that Marcelino had any knowledge or control of the illegal drugs found in the area.
Even the house and car keys were not in Marcelino’s possession but found in his companion Yan Yi Shuo.
Marcelino is currently detained at the Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. The release order was served to the police for his immediate release.
Meanwhile, Marcelino’s companion will remain in detention after the court denied his motion for bail.