Rookie cop faces charges

A Manila prosecutor found probable cause to indict a rookie policeman, who shot and robbed a businessman of cash and valuables amounting to P58,000 in Manila four months ago.

Manila Assistant Prosecutor Rosalyn Tria recommended the filing of robbery with physical injury charges against PO1 Dennis Santiago.

Tria said probable cause exists to indict Santiago, who shot and disabled Rosendo Agulto Jr. during the robbery on Nov. 18, 2001.

Agulto added that Santiago and his three unidentified companions took his 9 mm pistol worth P42,000, his wallet containing P5,000, his sunglasses and cellular phone.

The complainant told probers that he was with a companion, Maricar Diamel, waiting for a taxi when Santiago along with three companions approached them.

Without disclosing the basis of the "operation," Agulto said the suspects frisked them and started taking his valuables forcibly. The complainant said he tried to run away from the suspects but Santiago shot him, hitting him in the buttocks.

According to Agulto, Santiago grabbed his gun tucked in his waist when he fell on the pavement bleeding. Tria noted Diamel corroborated Agulto’s testimony. – Cecille Suerte Felipe