Basa brothers plead not guilty

The three brothers implicated in the July 11 riot in Koblerville yesterday pled not guilty to multiple charges filed by the Attorney General’s Office, according to Chief Prosecutor Kevin Lynch.

Melvin Basa, Jeffrey Basa and Frankie Basa, were among the seven defendants in the case that involved 37 counts of criminal charges including kidnapping, robbery, assault and battery, illegal possession of firearm, and criminal mischief, among others. Also charged in the same case were Jeronimo Ada, Peter Pangelinan, Isaac Charfauros, and Joaquin Crisostomo.

Lynch said only the Basa brothers were arraigned yesterday. The court had to reschedule the arraignment for the rest of the defendants who did not have attorneys.

Aside from the 37 counts of riot-related charges, the government has also pressed additional charges of escape against Melvin Basa and Jeronimo Ada in connection with the Oct. 10 jailbreak.

The other jailbreaker, convicted murderer Shawn Appleby, was also called to the court yesterday for arraignment on the escape charge.

However, Lynch said, Appleby also did not have an attorney, prompting the court to reset his arraignment.

A source, who was present at yesterday’s arraignment, said the defendants “displayed some attitude” during the court proceedings.

“They were kicking the chairs, and making crazy noises inside the courtroom,” the court observer said. (Mar-Vic Cagurangan)