Protection program for witnesses vs jail guard

CEBU, Philippines - The Capitol is assessing three witnesses in the loss of 35 sacks of rice at the provincial jail warehouse to be enrolled in the witness protection program of the Provincial Government.

That, as a case for theft was already filed against jailguard Antonieto Babor.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Marivic Garces received reports that the witnesses, who are living near Babor, were threatened.

Babor was ordered relieved after initial investigation pointed to him as responsible in withdrawing the sacks of rice from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center warehouse last April 25. He allegedly instructed 17 inmates working in the kitchen to load 35 sacks of NFA rice into the CPDRC van to deliver it to the Capitol.

Babor is also placed under preventive suspension.

Garces said there is now a full blown investigation of the case, aside from the case filed purposely to recover the sacks of rice and to find out who the cohorts of Babor are.

Garces said 500 sacks of rice are deposited at the CPDRC warehouse in barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City because the PSWDO lacks space at the Capitol building.

Garces said she ordered a manual inventory of the stocks and found 35 sacks of rice were lost.

A complaint for qualified theft was filed against Babor before City Prosecutor’s Office.

Garces said a withdrawal slip signed by her is required for any withdrawal of NFA rice.

But last April 25 Babor allegedly ordered the withdrawal of the 35 sacks of rice without her authority.

It was assistant warden Reynaldo Pepito, Jr. who informed Capitol consultant on peace and security Cesar Veloso about Babor’s action, and asked that the van be intercepted.

But the van never arrived at the Capitol. It was found at Babor’s house at Veteran’s Village, Kalunasan, Cebu City, unloading the rice.

Babor told those who approached him that the rice was given to him by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. –/JPM (FREEMAN)