Fiscal indicts NBI-7 fixer

CEBU, Philippines – The Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor has indicted a man before the court for pretending he had access to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 for an early issuance of a clearance and asking money from applicants.

State prosecutor Aida Sanchez held Christopher Nacua alias Bobong, a resident of Sitio San Roque, Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City, for trial for violation of estafa.

“Based on the allegations of the complainant and other evidences attach to the record, there is reasonable ground to believe that the respondent has committed the crime charged,” the fiscal’s resolution reads, adding Nacua failed to submit a counter-affidavit to negate the allegations filed against him.

Sanchez recommended P10,000 bail for Nacua’s temporary liberty.

Complainant Roderick Baro, a resident of Lahug, Cebu City, alleged he met Nacua on February 6, 2014 at the NBI-7 compound in Barangay Capitol Site while he was applying for an NBI clearance.

Around 8 a.m., Baro went to the NBI-7 to ask for clearance but reportedly due to the limited equipment and capacity of the NBI, the applicants were scheduled on a first-come first serve basis. Baro said he was informed that those who applied on that day were scheduled the following month.

“That as I went out of the NBI compound, I happened to inquire a male person, who was walking to and fro in the street outside of the NBI, if it is possible that I can apply for an NBI clearance earlier than the scheduled date, as I badly needed it for my application,” Baro narrated.

Baro added that the man, who was later identified as Nacua, told him that he could process the clearance, as he asked P1,000 from him supposedly as payment.

Baro haggled for P600, of which Nacua acceded. He was told to return on February 10, 2014, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and asked for an immediate payment.

On February 10, Baro indeed returned, but Nacua allegedly rescheduled him on February 12, claiming the slot was already full.

“That comes now February 12, 2014, at NBI, Capitol Site at 8 in the morning, I am surprised to find out that Bobong was arrested by the elements of the NBI for alleged fixing,” Baro said, adding he demanded for the refund of his money, but the accused failed.

Another applicant who became Nacua’s victim was Tessie Maglinte of Bohol province.

Maglinte said she went to the NBI-7 office on February 10, 2014 to also apply for a clearance. Still due to limited equipment, she was rescheduled to apply on April 8, 2014.

She went out of the NBI compound and a female vendor told her to approach Nacua, saying he could help process her clearance on an earlier date.

“That in my desire to secure an NBI clearance, which is necessary for my application for my travel abroad in Kuwait, I met Bobong and he asked me an advanced payment in the tune of P600 and instructed me to return on February 12, 2014. I then gave him the money,” Maglinte’s affidavit reads.

However, when she came back on February 12, she was surprised to find out that Nacua was arrested by the NBI for alleged fixing. She asked the suspect to return her money, but the latter only gave her P120. — (FREEMAN)