Friend of main suspect indicted

CEBU, Philippines - The Naga City Prosecutor’s Office had indicted the friend of the 16-year-old accused of robbing and killing his pregnant mother and sister in Naga City.

City Prosecutor Napoleon Alburo has filed an amended information in court accusing the 16-year-old as principal by direct participation and his friend, Bryant Pansoy Jr., as accomplice in the case for robbery with homicide.

Alburo said there was probable cause to indict Pansoy despite his denial during preliminary investigation.

In his counter-affidavit, Pansoy confirmed that the 16-year-old borrowed his firearm on that day, but he reportedly did not know the boy’s actual plan.

“I was requested by the 16-year-old to drive him to their place since he wanted for a moment to go to their house. I was told by him that their house is located on top of the hill,” Pansoy said.

He reportedly drove away right back home after bringing the 16-year-old to the latter’s house. After that, he reportedly went to the internet café supposedly to play computer games, but was not able to do so because the café was filled with customers.

He then went outside and saw his friends sitting in a multicab. His friends reportedly told him that his 16-year-old friend was looking for him and when he saw the latter, the 16-year-old told him he had a cellphone for sale.

“I just received the cellphone without asking where it came from and put it in my pocket of my short pants since I knew a friend who can sell the cell phone. The 16-year-old likewise returned the borrowed gun with a smile,” Pansoy said.

During interrogation by the police, Pansoy had denied having gone near the scene of the crime at the time the incident happened.

“I was never a cohort of the 16-year-old for I had no knowledge of his intention to commit a crime when he asked me to drive to his house. I had no motive at all to commit or participate in the commission of the crime and denied having no beers or liquors to drink because there was a plenty since we were having a fiesta celebration,” Pansoy explained.

But, despite his denial, Alburo said sufficient evidence exists to indict Pansoy as an accomplice. This is because it was Pansoy who provided the firearm to the boy, drove him to the place of the crime, and even sold the stolen cellphone.

“The evidence against Pansoy is clear that he cooperated in the execution of the offense by prior or simultaneous acts by supplying material or moral aid,” Alburo’s resolution reads.

Alburo recommended P200,000 for Pansoy’s temporary liberty. No bail was recommended for the 16-year-old. (FREEMAN)