Man arrested for selling 2 fake gold bars to Jap

A 41-year-old man was arrested in an entrapment operation after selling two fake gold bars worth P20,000 each to a Japanese in barangay Day-as, Cordova town, Wednesday night. But he was later released after the wife of the Japanese decided they will no longer file charges.

Masayuki Kikitchi, a resident of the said place, was allegedly swindled by a woman and two men, one of them later identified as a certain Marvin Parawan, 41, of barangay Cambaru, Mandaue City.

Cordova police said a certain Dominador Aytona called them and told them his brother-in-law, Kikitchi, had been sold a fake gold bar for P20,000.

Responding police led by SPO3 Felix Espinosa set up an entrapment operation for that night when the three were set to go to the victim's house and sell him another gold bar. Upon giving the said item to the victim, police officers arrested Parawan and confiscated the said item, but Parawan's two other companions were able to escape.

The suspect was brought to Cordova police station for questioning and was temporarily detained.

But PO3 Ernesto Amodia of the Cordova police said the suspect was released from police custody yesterday noon since the complainant, Kikitchi's wife Christina, said she is no longer interested in pursuing the case. - Norvie S. Misa