Bike ‘thief’ at IT Park charged

CEBU, Philippines - Finding probable cause, the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended the filing of criminal case against a man accused of stealing a parked motorcycle at the Cebu IT Park.

Prosecutor II Ricky Jones Macabaya indicted Rogelio Gonzales Sevella Jr. for carnapping for allegedly taking away a Honda RS 125 motorcycle (9626 OU) without the consent of the complainant Karl Trix Dal Cloma and/or Bennis Martinez, its registered owner.

The motorcycle is worth P61,000.

“After carefully evaluating the evidence at hand, the undersigned finds probable cause to charge respondent Sevella for violation of Republic Act 6539, also known as Anti-Carnapping Act,” the inquest resolution read.

Sevella, 36, along with Ernie Gelladuga, 41, and Victor Surigao Jr., 34, were arrested on September 2, 2014, believed to be responsible for the alleged string of motorcycle theft incidents at the IT Park in Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

However, the allegations were denied by the respondents claiming they were merely habal-habal drivers.

Sevella was arrested by two IT Park security guards for allegedly stealing a parked motorcycle and was turned over to the Theft and Robbery Section.

Sevella alleged Gelladuga and Surigao, who he called his bosses, were responsible for dismantling of the motorcycle parts upon investigation of the Cebu City police.

Gelladuga and Surigao were arrested by the police in a follow-up operation in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Apas. The two denied the allegations of Sevella and that they had stolen motorcycles.

Macabaya, in his inquest resolution, dropped the complaint filed against Gelladuga and Surigao for lack of probable cause.

Macabaya likewise recommended the release of Gelladuga and Surigao from the custody of the Cebu City police unless they are being detained for some other lawful causes. —(FREEMAN)