Alleged brains in Ma. Lina rob denies involvement

CEBU, Philippines - Former Punta Princesa barangay councilwoman Manilyn Mar-Mier, who was tagged as the mastermind in the foiled robbery of her mother-in-law, yesterday denied any involvement in the crime.

In an interview with The FREEMAN Manilyn said she was even wondering why she was being implicated considering that when the incident happened last March 20 she was in the house of her mother-in-law, Maria.

The suspects, Sim Abordo and Roldan Ranollo, now under police custody, were reportedly “hired by Manilyn, through Vicente Maestrado. Manilyn and Maestrado are now respondents in the robbery with frustrated homicide case filed by the police against Abordo and Ranollo.

Abordo reportedly said that Manilyn paid them P33,000 as a down payment to kill Maria but they did not push through with the plan because they were bothered by their conscience.

But Manilyn said she is not capable of harming her in-laws.

“They are good to me especially Kurt’s (her husband) dad. I have nothing against my in-laws,” Manilyn said, adding that her in-laws supported her when she ran for barangay councilwoman in 2007. 

Manilyn also denied leaving the house of her mother-in-law after the incident.

“Wala ko milayas, ilaha kung gipalayas,” Mier said, adding that it was only on the night of March 23 when she left the house when the security guard inform her she was no longer allowed to enter upon the instruction of the owner.

Mier called up a lawyer and she was allowed to pack up her things and leave with her two boys, one aged six and the other turning five..

“When the incident happened, naa ra ko sa balay until Wednesday bisan ila na kung gi-allege nga ako ang mastermind,” she said.

The suspects grabbed Maria’s bag, which contained two Nokia mobile phones worth P17,000, two wallets containing P340,000 cash and several cards and personal belongings.

But as the suspects were about to flee, Mier’s son, Kurt Yves, quickly drove his car into the suspects’ motorcycle, which threw both men off.

Prior to the incident, Manilyn said she already received a threat, which her husband, Kurt, already knows. But she refused to give details as they are still waiting for the advice of her lawyer who is still out of the country.  

Manilyn said she was not hiding but admitted that she is not in good condition right now.

“I’m not hiding ug dili gyud ko okay,” Manilyn said, adding that as of now she will not divulge her whereabouts because her life is still in danger.

In due time, Manilyn said she will come out in the open to clear her name. — Garry B. Lao/BRP (THE FREEMAN)