Two charged for stealing P2.5M traffic light items

CEBU, Philippines - Two men were indicted before the court for allegedly stealing P2.5 million worth of traffic signal light items in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City.

Cebu City Prosecutor Naruzen Delfin Lorete found probable cause and charged Roel Guingoyon alias “Unot” and Bienvenido Mapalo alias “Dodong” for theft.

“…the complaint and its attached evidence established probable cause for the crime of theft. Also, conspiracy among the respondents is evident,” read the resolution.

Lorete recommended P40,000 bail for each suspect.

Mario Bacalso, a representative of Cebu City Traffic Operations Management, sued Guingoyon and Mapalo for robbery before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.

 He alleged that on August 22, 2014, he conducted an inspection on a reported defective signal light at the intersection of S. Osmeña Blvd. and General Maxilom Extension in Barangay Tejero.

Bacalso discovered that one traffic controller worth P2.4 million, four upper mounting worth P15,645 each, one set of terminal block worth P15,645 and 29 core signal cables worth P1,320 each were forcibly opened and taken.

 He reported the incident at the Cebu City Police Office and on August 28, he was informed by the Theft and Robbery Section that a witness to the incident had been found.

Witness Rolly Ruiz alleged that on August 19, 2014, at around 8 p.m., he saw Guingoyon, Mapalo, a certain “my boy” and “Arjie” burning some wires.  He asked them where they got the wires and was told that they took it from the intersection of S. Osmeña Blvd. and General Maxilom Ext. in Barangay Tejero.

Ruiz alleged he accompanied the suspects to the junk shop of one Flordelito Golo where they sold the copper wires and he was given a tip.

Lorete subpoenaed the suspects but the latter could not be located, hence, resolved the complaint based on the evidence of the complainant.

The prosecutor dismissed the robbery complaint and instead charged the suspects for the crime of theft.  (FREEMAN)