Cop's son acquitted of robbery charges

A regional trial court yesterday acquitted the son of a policeman who was accused of robbing the passengers of a public utility jeepney in barangay Tejero six years ago.

RTC judge Olegario Sarmiento Jr. said the prosecution failed to prove the guilt of Philip Llaguno.

Llaguno, son of the late policeman Roberto Llaguno, was charged with robbery together with George C. Morre and Harold Rizol, for allegedly robbing Victoria Roca and Pastor Amigo.

Roca and Amigo said they were riding a PUJ bound for SM City when three persons boarded the vehicle upon reaching the corner of T. Padilla and Alviola streets, then, announced a hold-up.

A total of P31,000 worth of jewelry were taken from the victims who reported the incident to the Waterfront police station. Morre was arrested during a follow-up operation.

Morre reportedly squealed the identities of his comrades that lead to the arrest of Rizol and Llaguno, both sons of policemen.

Morre and Rizol were already convicted of the charges. Rizol had pleaded guilty to avail of a lesser penalty. Llaguno was separately tried because he was still a minor when the incident took place.

The court cleared Llaguno of the charges because Morre testified that his friend, now already 22 years old, was not with him during the heist. - Rene U. Borromeo/QSB