SELF-PROCLAIMED hitman Edgar Matobato’s legal counsel has moved to withdraw as his legal adviser before the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC)-Branch 3 on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the MTCC-Branch 3 staff, they received the motion filed by lawyer Gregorio Andolana, Matobato’s legal counsel, hours after the respondent’s supposed arraignment for the case of illegal possession of firearms.
Based on the motion filed before the court, Andolana wishes to withdraw as Matobato’s counsel as he no longer has any contact with Matobato after the effectivity of the Witness Protection Program privileges previously given to the accused has expired.
An official from MTCC-Branch 3 also informed that Andolana’s motion to withdraw as counsel will only be approved by Judge Silverio Mandalupe once the accused gives his confirmation on the lawyer’s claim.
Prosecutor Joy Largo previously moved to ask Matobato’s legal counsel to explain the Matobato’s absence during the supposed arraignment on Tuesday which was then affirmed by the judge.
The warrant of arrest against Matobato was signed by Judge Silverio Mandalupe around 1 p.m., Wednesday, after the accused snubbed his arraignment last Tuesday.
The MTCC-Branch 3 is set to forward the warrant of arrest on Thursday, September 6, to the Sasa Police Station.