Tanod chief accused of "protecting" snatchers

CEBU, Philippines- Two minors, who were armed when arrested after robbing a jeepney along M.J. Cuenco Avenue, accused Barangay Carreta Chief Tanod Ernesto Villaflor of “protecting” them and getting a portion from the proceeds of their illegal activities.

 Senior Inspector Bonifacio Garciano, chief of the Theft and Robbery Section (TRS), told The FREEMAN that they will formally inform Carreta Barangay Captain Eduardo Lauron about the statements that they got from the arrested minors.

Garciano also said they will invite Villaflor, whom the teenagers referred to as “Tatay Erning.” to the TRS today so his side can be heard. Garciano added that depending on the outcome of their investigation, they may file a complaint for child abuse against the tanod chief before the prosecutors’ office.

He will also suggest for Carreta’s tanod chief to undergo a drug test to check the minor’s claim that he is using illegal drugs. Garciano is confident that the tanod chief would be more than glad to take the test if he has nothing to hide.

The FREEMAN tried to contact Villaflor through the Carreta Barangay Hall but he was not there. The barangay captain could not also be reached. Carreta First Councilor Rey Francisco, for his part, refused to comment on the allegation against their chief tanod. Francisco said it is best for Villaflor to answer the allegations himself, but he did not know where Villaflor could be contacted last night.

Policemen from the Mobile Patrol Group who were roving chanced upon the robbery that just victimized passengers of a 03B jeepney at around 9:30 in the evening last Wednesday.

A 16-year-old resident of Cabantan St., Sitio San Roque, Barrio Luz, and a 14-year-old boy from Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Carreta were arrested as they were running away from the crime scene. The two were on their way to their “hideout” at a Chinese cemetery near the area.

Their 18-year-old companion, a certain “Leonard,” eluded arrest.

The police recovered from the minors a .38 caliber gun with two live bullets, as well as the two cellular phones and wallets that they took from the passengers. As of last night, the victims went to the Mabolo Police Station to claim their belongings, but they were told to proceed to the TRS.

The 16-year-old suspect told The FREEMAN that they bought the gun from a store in Colon St. for P800 each, including the bullets. The three each had a gun when they robbed the jeepney but Leonard was able to take the two with him when he fled.

He also narrated to TThe FREEMAN that “Tatay Erning”, the chief tanod of Barangay Carreta, protects their illegal activity by warning them whenever policemen would roam near their hideout.

He claimed that as their agreed signal, Tatay Erning would put on and off a flashlight three times to let them be aware of police presence.

“I-on ni Tatay Erning ang flashlight ug katulo mao nga makahibawo mi kung naa bay pulis nga duol og nagpangita namo,” said the boy.

He revealed that he was already snatching other people’s belongings when he was still 10 years old.

“Kwarta ang rason, kay naglisod jud kaayo mi. Makonsensiya man gani ko pero nagkadugay, naanad na man” added by the boy.

The TRS will turn them over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.