Oro Sugbu robbery “mastermind” to help co-detainees for free

CEBU, Philippines — The man tagged as the alleged mastermind in the Oro Sugbu robbery, who also recently passed the bar examinations, said his first clients will be the 41 people who are currently with him in the custodial facility of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).

Jigger Geverola, who was among the 3,812 who passed the 2023 Bar Examinations, said that once he becomes a full-fledged lawyer, he will represent those currently in custody with him.

“Una nakong kliyente ang kauban nako diri sa selda tanan ron 41 kabuok, pro-bono pero una pa na mo-sign pa gyud ta sa roll of attorney mao nang hopefully makalabang ta ani karon, December 22 man, hopefully, optimistically maka-sign ta sa roll of attorney,” said Geverola.

Those who passed the recent bar exam are set to have their oath-taking this December 22, 2023, and will be followed by the official signing of the Roll of Attorneys.

But due to his pending robbery case, Geverola’s fate as a lawyer rests on whether he can get a clearance from the Office of the Bar Confidant, which is a requirement for the oath-taking.

Geverola admits that he feels a mixture of happiness and sadness due to his current situation.

However, Geverola said he is not giving up hope because he believes that he will be able to get through his current problems.

“Base sa nahitabo nako karon, ang purpose gyud sa Ginoo nga pahinumduman ko sa akong gisa-ad nga kung makapasar ko, akong gamiton sa pagpangalagad ngadto sa Ginoo ug sa nanginahanglan,” he said.

Before passing this year, Geverola took the bar exams in 2021 but failed.

He added that if given the chance to serve as a lawyer, he will use his profession to help people from the Province of Cebu.

Prior to his arrest, Geverola worked for the office of Second District Provincial Board Member Raymond Calderon. — /ATO (FREEMAN)