Trader accuses cop of stealing P100,000 cash

CEBU, Philippines - A copra buyer has accused a town police official of stealing P100,000 cash from her during a police operation Monday afternoon.

Marcosa Arañaz of San Fernando was in Barangay Anislag, Pinamungajan to buy copra last Monday when the police allegedly came to search their vehicle for firearm. The police team led by acting Pinamungajan police chief Leo Logroño received information from concerned citizens about the presence of armed bodyguards of Arañaz. 

Arañaz claimed the police, upon arrival, immediately pointed their guns at them prompting her to run for fear. Her companion Berto Ungcoy together with some of her helpers was held by the police after a Caliber .45 pistol was recovered from his possession.

The police however did not arrest Ungcoy after he was able to present valid documents to possess firearm. Arañaz claimed the P100,000 she left inside the vehicle before she ran because of fear was already missing when she returned. She accused the police of stealing the money.

Logroño denied the allegation saying they were just responding to a legitimate armed person alarm.“Daghan nag tao diha daghan untag makakita unya di sad mi pakauwaw uy kay we are in uniform that time,” he said.

According to Logroño, they rushed into the place because of the report that Arañaz’s helpers were armed with a shotgun and a KG-9 machine pistol.

Logroño threatens to file a counter-charge against Arañaz if she cannot prove her claim.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador already ordered an investigation into the allegation. He said another investigation will be conducted by the Provincial Internal Affairs Service. – (FREEMAN)