CEBU CITY - The Supreme Court (SC) En Banc has released a resolution mandating the Talibon Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Bohol to issue a commitment order for the immediate detention in Cebu Provincial Jail of all those accused in the slay case of Bien Unido Mayor Gisela Boniel.

"Direct the Presiding Judge of the RTC, Branch 52, Talibon, Bohol, to issue a commitment order/s for the immediate detention of all the accused in Criminal Case Nos. 17-4271 and 17-4216 at the Cebu Provincial Jail located in Cebu City, Cebu," the resolution reads.

It also directs the Talibon RTC to transfer the kidnapping and serious illegal detention case against the mayor's husband, primary suspect Bohol board member Niño Rey Boniel, and his alleged cohorts, to the Cebu RTC.

The SC resolution granted Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre's request to consolidate the criminal charges filed against the accused so that both parties can easily track the progress of the cases.

Lawyer Amando Ligutan, the complainant's counsel, said they can now expect a speedy trial of those accused.

Angela Leyson, complainant and good friend of the slain mayor, welcomed the move.

"I'm actually very, very happy. It's a nightmare na baka may nakasunod sa amin. I'm looking forward that justice will be served," she said.

The pre-trial conference of the case has been suspended pending the petition for review submitted by the respondent before the Department of Justice.

Lawyer Inocencio dela Cerna, one of the respondent's counsels, said this was not a victory yet for the complainant and the transfer of venue will not weaken their defense.

A separate parricide case was earlier filed against Niño Rey and 8 others and is now being handled by the Cebu RTC.

• Parricide case filed vs slain Bohol mayor's husband, 8 others

The town mayor was allegedly thrown off a boat in Caubian Island after her husband allegedly shot her dead on June 7.