TO prevent the same thing from happening, policemen will be detailed at the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) office at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) this time after it lost P1.68 million last year.
“They will be there 24/7. It is also the request of Mayor Michael Rama,” said Senior Supt. Mariano Natuel, officer-in-charge of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).
He advised SFI officials to deposit the money immediately to a bank “to avoid temptation.”
“It really depends on them if they will put money there. We’ll just be there to provide security,” Natuel said.
When sought for update on the high-profile burglary, he said police are still investigating it.
New proof
Theft and Robbery Section (TRS) Chief Rolando Pinili earlier told Sun.Star Cebu they are still gathering evidence.
A qualified theft complaint against security guard Joselyndon Jabagat, who was initially implicated as the suspect, was dropped by the Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor.
Assistant City Prosecutor Gandhi Truya recommended the dismissal of the complaint, saying the allegations raised against Jabagat were based on “suspicions and insinuations.”
Evidence
Despite the dismissal of the case, the police still have unpresented evidence that pointed to a crowbar used in the burglary. It wasn’t presented to the fiscal as it was being examined in the crime laboratory.
Asked about their lapses in the dismissal of the complaint, Pinili said they only investigated, took testimonies of witnesses, and filed a case before the court.
He added it wasn’t their job to prove Jabagat was guilty beyond reasonable doubt, adding that they have nothing personal against the security guard.
Today, a conference will be held by police to iron out their security plans for the annual Sinulog celebration.