Three indicted for qualified theft

CEBU, Philippines - Two construction workers were charged in court for allegedly stealing assorted scrap and electric wires. 

Prosecutor Anna Lou Fernandez-Cavada indicted Lester Onglaw, 23, resident of Barangay Hipodromo, Cebu City, and Ramil Fernando, 20, of Barangay Pagsabungan, Mandaue City, for qualified theft.

The two accused allegedly connived with each other in stealing assorted scrap and wires from the construction site they were working in Barangay Tejero.

Onglaw and Fernando reportedly took advantage of the trust and confidence of their employer. The prosecutor’s office has recommended P24,000 bail for the temporary liberty of each of the accused.

Christian Victory Gutierrez, 26, representative of Monolith Construction, filed the charges against the two accused.

 Gutierrez said that on July 11, 2015 at around 8 p.m. while he was on duty at the construction site, a security guard assigned at the workers entrance called his attention about a worker acting suspiciously.

Gutierrez said that being the general contractor of the Robinson’s Land Corporation he discretely conducted surveillance at the entrance gate. Gutierrez said he saw Fernando carrying a bag which appeared to be very heavy.

The same incident happened the following day, prompting him to inspect the bag and found out that it contained several scrap and electrical wires. Gutierrez said he placed Onglaw and Fernando under citizen’s arrest and turned them over to the police station.

The two accused refused to answer the complaint at the prosecutor’s office. They instead opted to face trial in court.

House helper indicted

Meanwhile, a house helper was also indicted for qualified theft by the city prosecutor’s office.

Prosecutor Aida Sanchez found probable cause to charge Leonisa “Leah” Sarda in court for stealing P400,000 worth of jewelry from her former employer.

Catalina Ferrer, resident of Barangay Camputhaw, Cebu City, alleged that the accused was her former house helper.

She allegedly left the house sometime in March 2014 without asking permission. The complainant said she was surprised to learn that her pieces of jewelry were already missing.

Ferrer said she learned that Sarda left for Manila and sold some of her jewelry. It was allegedly admitted to her by the sister and nephew of the accused. — (FREEMAN)