Charges filed vs man who held minor hostage, stole motorcycle

CEBU, Philippines - Criminal charges were filed before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against a man who allegedly stole a motorcycle from two minors and took hostage an 8-year-old girl in Pinamungajan town.

Senior Police Officer 2 Peter Cuanso Jr., investigator of Pinamungajan Police Station, said a complaint for serious illegal detention was  filed against Rogelio Largo Librea, 27, of Magdugo, Toledo City last Tuesday.

Cuanso said the suspected opted not to submit his counter affidavit during the inquest proceeding before State Prosecutor Gerome Abarca. Librea manifested to face the charges in court. Abarca recommended no bail for the temporary liberty of Librea.

Cuanso said they had already elevated the criminal complaint for serious illegal detention against Librea before the Regional Trial Court in Toledo City last Wednesday. The police also filed another charge against Librea for violation of Republic Act 6539 or Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972 through a regular preliminary investigation before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office last Thursday after the minor victims submitted the necessary documents.

Librea allegedly tried to take the motorcycle driven by a 14-year-old boy, who had another minor passenger, in Purok Saging, Barangay Camugao on September 20.

The driver resisted but Librea reportedly hit the minors with a stone, took the motorcycle and sped off, leaving the minors injured.

Upon reaching several meters away, the chain of the motorcycle broke, prompting Librea to stop. In an attempt to escape from the police,  Librea reportedly left the motorcycle and went inside the house of 71-year-old widow, Prima Canillo.

Librea then grabbed Canillo’s granddaughter and pointed a broken glass at the child. He also reportedly told the widow not to go near him or else he will kill the eight-year-old child.

Librea was apprehended after the barangay captain managed to convince him to release the hostage and surrender.

The 8-year-old who sustained abrasions in her right jaw and shoulder was advised to undergo stress debriefing with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Librea sustained several injuries to his body after he was beaten up by the bystanders when he tried to escape. He was later turned over to the police. Librea is temporarily detained at Pinamungajan Police Station while waiting for the commitment order from the court. —/FPL (FREEMAN)