A Regional Trial Court in Bacolod has declared four members of the Yanson family “fugitives from justice,” barring them from seeking relief or participating in proceedings until they return to face qualified theft charges tied to a corporate power struggle.

Branch 50 Judge Jose Manuel Lopez ruled that siblings Roy, Ricardo Jr., Ma. Lourdes Celina and Emily Yanson deliberately evaded arrest by remaining abroad despite standing warrants.

The court found that the siblings’ continued absence amounted to a refusal to submit to its jurisdiction.

“For the willful evasion by the accused of the Court’s jurisdiction, the accused should be sanctioned rather than rewarded,” Lopez said.

“Their intent to evade prosecution is considered as a waiver of their right to adduce evidence and participate in the criminal case against them. They shall lose their standing in court and shall not be entitled to seek relief, until and unless they submit and commit to the jurisdiction of this Court,” he added.