Man faces carnapping charges

CEBU, Philippines - A man has been charged for carnapping and illegal possession of firearms before the Regional Trial Court for allegedly poking a gun at a motorcycle-for-hire driver in Mohon, Talisay City last November 1.

Dondel Panilagao has been charged with carnapping and illegal possession of firearms after allegedly taking the motorcycle and poking a gun at Marlon Gabasa during the observance of the All Saints Day.

Gabasa in his affidavit said that Panilagao was with another companion when the two boarded his driven motorcycle on the evening of Nov. 1.

Gabasa said that Panilagao pointed a gun on his head and announced a holdup and instructed him to park at the roadside.

But he managed to escape by grappling for the said firearm which also caused him to lose control. The motorcycle swerved on the road and the two suspects fell off the vehicle.

Gabasa said that he was able to recognize Panilagao when the motorcycle fell. It was then that the two took it.

A pursuit operation was conducted when he reported the matter to the police.

Panilagao was arrested, and that a gun with no license was confiscated from him.

In his counter affidavit, Panilagao said that he was invited by police for an investigation and asked of his brother’s whereabouts.

He denied claims that he perpetrated the crime saying that he was at the cemetery at the time of the incident together with friends and his common law wife. — Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)