Man charged in court for stealing cop's bike

CEBU, Philippines - A 33-year-old man is facing charges in court for allegedly stealing the motorcycle of a police officer.

Prosecutor Mario Edgardo Montenegro elevated a case for violation of the anti-carnapping law against Ramon Tribunalo after, a resident of Barangay Loca, Balamban, after he chose not to undergo preliminary investigation.

Montenegro recommended P180,000 bail for accused temporary liberty.

Had he opted for an preliminary investigation, Tribunalo would have been given a chance to answer the allegations against him at the prosecutor’s level.

It was alleged that around 3:10 am on January 29, 2012, Tribunalo took and drove away the motorcycle owned by PO1 Bernelee Simeon parked beside the bookstore along Gen. Maxilom Avenue.

Simeon said he was on patrol duty at that time when he noticed a man took his motorcycle, which was parked about 50 meters away from where he was. With the help of his colleague, PO1 Gregorio Bercero, he was able to chase the suspect and prevented the man from driving away further.

Simeon said his motorcycle is worth P150,000.

Simeon said he and his colleague informed Tribunalo of his Constitutional rights upon arrest.

Montenegro, in his resolution, said the act of Tribunalo caused damage and prejudice to Simeon.

“The above-named accused, with deliberate intent, with intent to gain and without the knowledge and consent of the owner thereof, did then and there take, steal and drive away the motorcycle to the damage and prejudice of the owner.” — (FREEMAN)