Ex-BJMP exec, sis-in-law charged with robbery

CEBU, Philippines — The Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor has indicted a former official of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Central Visayas and her sister-in-law for allegedly extorting money from an applicant.

Prosecutor III Gandhi Truya found probable cause to have then jail superintendent Priscillana Gilboy, 49, a resident of Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City, and Fatima “Patsy Palomos” Gilboy, 45, a resident of Barangay Cavite West, Palo, Leyte, put on trial for robbery.

In an inquest proceeding, Priscillana and Fatima chose not to avail of a preliminary investigation. Instead, they manifested to face the charges in court.

The suspects were ordered released after they each posted a bail of P100,000  last Saturday, according to lawyer Rameses Victorious Villagonzalo, Priscillana’s counsel.

Priscillana, who served BJMP for nearly 20 years, retired on March 30 this year, the same day she was accused of extorting money from Lemar Lara, a jail officer applicant.

Priscillana and Fatima allegedly conspired with each other in demanding money from Lara.

Lara, who was applying for a position of jail officer 1 at the BJM, alleged that he received a text message from unknown number, which read “I can help you” on March 30, 2018.

Out of curiosity, he replied.

He was told that they will be meeting at a mall at Fuente Osmeña in Cebu City.

From there, he met Fatima and had the chance to see Priscillana inside a vehicle where Fatima disembarked.

He knew Priscillana because it was the latter who conducted the neuro-psychiatric interview on him and other applicants.

Fatima told him in order for his name not to be deleted as a “lucky” passer of BJMP neuro-psychiatric interview, he has to pay P29,000, which is equivalent to his one month salary.

Thinking he might be a victim of extortion, he sought the help of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Field Group 7.

Then an entrapment operation was planned and it was implemented on April 3 inside a mall in Mabolo City, resulting in the arrest of the suspects.

Moreover, Villagonzalo said the family of Priscillana is planning to file countercharges against Lara for dragging her name into the mess.

He stressed that his client was not in any way involved in the crime.  /KBQ (FREEMAN)