Filmmaker Jade Castro, 3 others decry 'warrantless' arrest 

A film director and three others were arrested in Mulanay, Quezon over their alleged involvement in the burning of a modern jeepney in Catanauan town.

According to Chino Gaston’s “24 Oras” report, four unidentified men torched a modern jeepney in Barangay Dahican on January 31. 

Police said they identified the suspects as film director Jade Castro and Ernesto Orcinem, Noel Mariano, and Dominic Valerio Ramos based on information they received. They also said the suspects were using the same vehicle as the arsonists.

However, Castro, Orcinem, Mariano, and Ramos cried foul over their arrest, saying they were innocent and were merely taking a vacation. 

No warrant of arrest was also presented during their apprehension, they added.

The suspects are detained at the Catanauan Municipal Police Station and facing arson charges. 

For their part, the Directors Guild of the Philippines and the UP Film Institute called for the release of the suspects. 

“Case of arson were already filed against them. They have the right, they will explain their side,” Philippine National Police Chief Police General Benjamin Acorda said.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News