Manila cop, Lim guard summoned over missing thief

A precinct commander of the Manila Police District (MPD) and an alleged security guard of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim are being summoned to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to shed light on the disappearance of a suspected pickpocket, who was reportedly arrested during Lim’s oath-taking last June 30.

Regional Director Ruel Lasala of the NBI-National Capital Region (NCR) signed the two subpoenas to be sent to Police Chief Inspector Bernardino Cubacob, head of the Plaza Lawton police community precinct, and to Levy Arce, who is connected to the Office of the Mayor.

They are being asked to appear before the NBI-NCR office on Monday with the hope they would be able to provide information on the alleged abduction of Alvin Salino.

Lasala said Cubacob was caught on a photograph, published in a tabloid newspaper, holding on to Salino.  Arce reportedly claimed that Salino tried to steal his wallet while the oath-taking ceremony was taking place.

“They were the last persons to have custody” of Salino, Lasala said.

It was alleged that Cubacob was seen talking to Salino before he disappeared, but Cubacob denied the allegation.

Salino’s mother, Susan, sought the NBI’s help to find her son.

Lasala said his agents went to several funeral parlors near the area to inquire if Salino was one of the unclaimed bodies, but they were unable to find him.