Man indicted for robbery

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a 33-year old man for robbery after allegedly grabbing the firearm of a security guard at an online casino along Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City, and declaring a holdup.

Prosecutor Aurora Peñaflor held Daniel Besande, a resident of Sitio Panabang, Barangay Apas, Cebu City and a native of Surigao for trial after finding probable cause.

Besande chose not to file a counter-affidavit to answer the allegations filed against him during the inquest proceeding. Instead, he manifested to face the charges in court.

“…the said accused with deliberate intent with intent to gain and with violence against or intimidation of persons, did then and there point a knife at security guard Arnel Rosario and forcibly grab, take and carry away his .38 caliber service firearm…to the damage and prejudice of the latter or of Eastpoint Central Security Incorporation which is the owner of the said firearm,” the charge sheet reads.

Peñaflor recommended a bail of P200,000 for Besande’s temporary liberty.

Rosario, in his sworn statement, said that on September 22, 2014, while he was on duty at E-Games, a man later identified as the Besande entered the establishment at around 6:45 a.m. and played online.

At around 9 a.m., Besande reportedly stood up and went to the cashier to borrow cash but the cashier refused. He added that Besande kept on going back and forth to the cashier.

Since the cashier kept on denying Besande’s request, Rosario said the accused approached him and tried to borrow money from him but he also declined since he has no money.

At around 9:30 a.m., Rosario said that Besande declared a holdup.

“…accused suddenly pulled out a small knife capable of inflicting injuries, declared hold up and grabbed my firearm from my bolster. He was able to take custody of my firearm worth P30,150. This prompted me to fight back and wrestled with the suspect by putting my arm around his neck and recovered my firearm and placed him under arrest,” the affidavit reads.

Rosario said with the help of other staff at E-Games, they called for police assistance. Besande was then brought to the Mabolo Police Station. — Mylen P. Manto/ATO (FREEMAN)