Ex-cop indicted for malversation

CEBU, Philippines - A former police officer who was assigned at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency was indicted for malversation of public property due to his failure to return the firearm, ammunition and motorcycle issued to him.

Graft-investigator Eric Anthony Dumpilo recommended the filing of case before the Regional Trial Court against PO2 Frederick Ronduen and recommended a bail of P40,000 for his temporary liberty.

PO3 Victor Ruel Ayuman of Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has filed a complaint against Ronduen for the latter’s failure to return the firearm, ammunition and motorcycle issued to him by the government.

Ronduen was terminated from service by virtue of the Special Order No. 1363 dated July 4, 2007 issued by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

On March 5, 2008, lawyer Jennifer Rosales issued a demand letter to Ronduen asking him to return the firearm, ammunition and motorcycle issued to him but he failed to heed the order.

Dumpilo said probable cause exists to hold Ronduen for malversation, saying all elements of malversation were present as he has the custody over the said government-issued properties.

The anti-graft investigator said the finding of their office was based on opinion and reasonable doubt.

“Our finding of probable cause has not required an inquiry into whether there is sufficient evidence to procure a conviction. Probable cause need not be based on clear and convincing evidence of guilt, neither on evidence establishing guilt beyond reasonable doubt and definitely not on evidence establishing absolute certainty of guilt,” Dumpilo explained in his findings.

“Precisely, there is a trial for the reception of evidence of the prosecution in support of charge,” he added. — (FREEMAN)