Amicable settlement eyed in mango theft case

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines — The complaint filed against an 80-year-old man for allegedly stealing 10 kilos of mangoes in Asingan, Pangasinan is expected to be resolved through an amicable settlement.

“Accused Leonardo Flores of Barangay Bantog, Asingan and his family welcomed this new development,” lawyer James Fernandez of the Public Attorney’s Office in Urdaneta City told The STAR yesterday.

Flores will be arraigned on Feb. 8. The complainant, Robert Hong, reportedly expressed willingness to sign an affidavit of desistance.

Fernandez said Flores had asked forgiveness and wanted the matter resolved.

Records showed Flores hired two persons to harvest the mangoes and placed the fruits in 10 large bamboo baskets.

Flores said he thought he owned the mango tree as he was the one who planted it in a property that was fenced off by the owner.

He was arrested on Jan. 13 based on a warrant issued by the court. His detention went viral on social media.

Personnel of the Asingan police pooled their money to help raise Flores’ bail amounting to P6,000.