Samboan VM, 3 others face ‘carnapping’ plaint

CEBU, Philippines - Samboan Vice Mayor Rogelio Capa and three others are facing carnapping complaints at the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly stealing a motorcycle.

Complainant Ray Santiago Cavalida, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Samboan, Cebu alleged that respondents intimidated and conspired to take his motorcycle last Good Friday.

Other named respondents were Samboan Councilor Jeffrey Catipay, Arvin Mejo and Edgar Capa, all of Samboan, Cebu.

Cavalida alleged that on April 5, 2013 at about 1:00 p.m. he was at home when Catipay together with his bodyguard, Mejo, entered his “enclosed premises” without his permission and grabbed his motorcycle without valid reason.

He protested and told them that they do not have the right to take his motorcycle.

As proof of ownership, he showed documents to Catipay attesting that he is the registered owner of the motorcycle since 2003.

But despite his objections, Catipay allegedly intimidated him and used his power as a councilor and son-in-law of Vice Mayor Capa.

Cavalida said he called up Mayor Raymond Calderon to ask for assistance.

Minutes later, Capa and his bodyguard, Edgar, arrived and allegedly ordered him to turn over the motorcycle to Catipay in a “loud and threatening voice.”

He refused but Catipay allegedly succeeded in taking the motorcycle.

Cavalida reported the matter to Samboan Police Station.

Luz Dorothy Tabaloc, sister of the complainant, stood as witness and said that Cavalida’s minor children were also present during the incident.

She also alleged that the children were traumatized because of Capa’s intimidating voice. —/MBG (FREEMAN)