Islamic City of Marawi (21 October) -- The commanding officer of the army's 51st Infantry Battalion vehemently denied the alleged robbery complaint filed against his troops.
In a press conference held at Kampo Ranao this city, Lt. Col. Giovanni Franza shed light to the complaint filed by Ismael Sarip in Picong Municipal Police Station accusing the 51st IB troops of robbing more than P100,000 cash, Rado watch worth P48,000, necklace worth P149,000, and cellular phones worth P16,000 from the house of Merhana Kaludan Sarip in barangay Pindolonan of Picong town.
He said the alleged robbery was associated to the incident where troops headed by 1Lt. John Christopher Talattad apprehended a gun ban violator in the said barangay.
Talattad and his group were conducting road patrol in Picong town last October 8 when they intercepted Casanor Tambo Ramber carrying an M16 without legal documents, Franza related.
After sensing that he violated something, Casanor run away and entered the house of Merhana Sarip and hid the firearm inside. However, the troops did not follow him inside, they just called on the suspect to go out and surrender himself and his firearm, he further related.
Franza said the army troops even called the attention of the barangay chairman to help them and ensure that all things are undertaken in a proper manner.
Casanor subsequently surrendered and the troops confiscated from him one (1) Cal 5.56mm M16A1 rifle bearing serial number 9011410 and one (1) short aluminium magazine with five (5) rounds of ammunition, he added.
Barangay Pindolonan chairman Alibasher Alilang, who was also present during the press conference, attested that the army troops they did not took anything other than the confiscated firearm.
They did not even went inside the house, he stressed.
The barangay chairman also disclosed that the complainant was not even present when the incident happened.
The local police meanwhile said they are yet to establish the relationship of the complainant with the house owner.
Investigation regarding the alleged robbery is still in progress, the police said.
No comments