CIDG still to weigh Sumabong affidavit

The Criminal Intelligence and Detention Group will still have to weigh the affidavit submitted by Joel Sumabong, one of the 12 suspects in the robbery of the Land Bank branch in Bogo town last August 2.

The CIDG has been tasked to handle Sumabong's case after Cebu Provincial Police Office director Vicente Loot inhibited from it. Loot's inhibition followed the accusation by his wife's political rivals that he was protecting Sumabong.

P/Insp. Patrick Vano, CIDG regional investigation division chief, yesterday said they are still in the process of weighing the affidavit and evidence presented by Sumabong before they can file cases against those he had implicated in the P9.4-million robbery.

Vaño said they would still hold a meeting with Provincial Intelligence and Investigation Bureau chief Juanito Enguerra to discuss if Sumabong's affidavit is supported by evidence against those he had implicated.

He also said there is a need to hire an expert to check on the video compact disk and the simpack that contained Sumabong's allegations that Bogo mayor Celestino "Tining" Martinez III had masterminded the robbery.

Vano added that they would discuss in the meeting the possible inclusion in the filing of the robbery case in band against Boy Tagalog, SPO2 Mario Cuerda and a certain Digoy Mayol, said to be a trusted aide to Martinez.

Enguerra said they would present Sumabong today before the sala of Judge Antonio Marigomen of the Regional Trial Court Branch 61 in Bogo to secure a commitment order for his detention at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center. - Flor Z. Perolina