Ex-convict nabbed for Sinulog scalping

CEBU, Philippines — An ex-convict was arrested noontime yesterday for unauthorized selling of complimentary passes for the Sinulog grand parade just in front of the Cebu City Sports Center.

The suspect, Hannibal Soccorro, 50, was arrested by cops securing the carousel route of the Sinulog grand parade after a concerned citizen reported him about his illegal activity.

Soccorro, a resident of Barangay Ermita, Cebu City, was charged for visiting a drug den back in 2018.  He just got released from prison last December 6.

The suspect said he bought the passes for at least P400 each from somebody just around the area or "kilid-kilid".

"Gikan ra man ni diha sa kilid-kilid, kanang naa sobra ninyo ticket paliton na namo, kay sayang man.  Ganina daghan man to namaligya pud," Soccorro said.

He resold the passes at P700 to P800 each.

Soccorro said he was able to sell at least three passes yesterday, where he earned almost P2,500.

Police Chief Inspector Eduard Sanchez, the chief of the Fuente Police Station, said that the selling of complimentary passed was not authorized, however, he said the passes were authentic.

The organizers only give complimentary passes to the working group of the Sinulog grand parade and to the members of the media who cover the event.

"Kani nga card complimentary para ra unta nis mga head og bisita, na-intercept na ni siya human ma-identify sa mga tawo," Sanchez said.

Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Chief Debold Sinas has instructed Sanchez to file fraud charges against Soccorro.

However, Cebu City Police Office Chief Royina Garma said they will be looking into it and will check other possible cases that they can file against the suspect.

Soccorro is temporarily detained at the Fuente Police Station.

Police would have to release Soccorro if no case will be filed against him within 72 hours.

On his part, Soccorro said he knew that reselling the passes was illegal, but he took the risk.

He claimed it was his first time to sell the passes.

"Wala na man ko mabuhat ani, akoa lang kay mangayo ko pasaylo aron unta di na lang ko kihaan," he said. (FREEMAN)