Jail guard faces raps for NFA rice

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has charged a provincial jail guard in court for qualified theft for allegedly stealing 35 sacks of NFA rice worth P47,000.

Prosecutor Alex Gabud elevated the case to court after he found probable cause based on evidence presented by Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) Officer Marivic Graces, the complainant in the case.

Gabud said he subpoenaed Antonieto Babor and directed him to file his counter-affidavit but the latter failed to do the same.

Gabud recommended a P60,000 bail for Babor’s temporary liberty.

Garces said that as part of their operation, they usually stock NFA rice at the house van at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) compound in Barangay Kalunasan, which would be distributed to victims of disasters and as assistance to indigents. 

Graces said any withdrawal of rice from the stocks would need her approval through a withdrawal slip bearing her signature. At that time, Babor was assigned as custodian of the stocks of rice.

However, last April 25, 2011, Babor allegedly ordered the withdrawal of 35 sacks of rice without her authority.

“On April 25, 2011 at around 4:00 p.m. the respondent without any withdrawal slip ordered 17 inmates to load 35 sacks of NFA rice worth P47,000 from the house van to the province owned truck with plate no. SGH-111,” Gabud’s resolution reads.

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 and was found later at Babor’s house in Veteran’s Village also in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City.

Babor allegedly told those who approached him that the three sacks of rice were given to him by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

During investigation, Babor said it was PSWD personnel Wilson Ramos who called him through his mobile phone and instructed him to deliver 35 sacks of rice to Ecotech in Sudlon, Lahug. It was, however, found that Ramos was on official leave on that day.

Veloso said it was not the first time Babor unloaded sacks of rice in the vicinity of his residence. About 20 sacks of rice were allegedly being unloaded at Babor’s residence every month.

“The consequent act of the respondent of taking the said stocks of rice with intent to gain was an act of grave abuse of such confidence reposed upon him which would make him liable for qualified theft,” Gabud ruled.     - (THE FREEMAN)