August 1, 2001, The Philippine Star, Cebuanos Vow to Keep Sayyaf Out,

Cebu City, Aug. 1, 2001 - Cebuanos are using all fronts to stop the holding of the trial of suspected Abu Sayyaf members and supporters which the Supreme Court had earlier ordered transferred to Cebu City from Zamboanga City.

Sen. John Osmeña took the lead by filing a motion with the Supreme Court the other day, asking the tribunal to reconsider its decision to hold the arraignment and trial in this city.

First district Rep. Jose Gullas, for his part, is spearheading the move in the House of Representatives with the filing of a similar petition, signed by all of Cebu’s congressmen, with the High Court.

For their part, Gov. Pablo Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña will also file a manifestation to move elsewhere the venue of the arraignment and trial of the 44 suspected Abu Sayyaf members and supporters.

The other day, Cebu leaders met and agreed to manifest to the Supreme Court their opposition to the holding of the trial here.

Though no local government can defy a Supreme Court order, Garcia said he is optimistic the tribunal will reverse its decision.

"I believe this will convince them that perhaps they did not have any sufficient basis in making the decision," Garcia said.

Though they had disagreed on several matters and issues, Garcia admitted that the opposition to the Abu Sayyaf trial was something he and Sen. Osmeña shared.

The High Court earlier announced that the suspected Abu Sayyaf members will be tried in the heinous crimes courts here, after Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat asked that the trial be held in another place.
Lobregat argued that holding the trial in her city would jeopardize its peace and order situation, with her constituents fearing that the Abu Sayyaf’s criminal activities might spill over to their communities.

Besides, Lobregat said her city’s detention facility is already congested, and not capable of accommodating the suspects.

Sen. Osmeña, in his petition, echoed Lobregat’s arguments.

The petition, drafted and signed by lawyer Aristotle Batuhan and associate Joselito John Blando, also took note of the recent kidnapping of grade schooler Ryan James Yu.