Metrobriefs

Barangay official’s son faces jail time over P300

A BARANGAY watchman’s son was convicted of robbery and sentenced to up to eight years in prison for robbing a man of P300. Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 found Jake Bergoro guilty of taking the wallet of Pedro Viscaya which contained P300 and ordered him to pay the victim the amount plus interest. The incident happened on May 13, 2007, at the Parola Compound in Tondo, Manila. In his testimony, Viscaya said he was on his way to buy ice for his eatery when he saw Bergoro standing near the gate. The latter then pointed a knife at him, grabbed his wallet and threatened to harm him if he told anyone about what he did. “Accused being the son of a [councilor] in their barangay, [Viscaya’s] recognition of him is unmistakable,” the court noted. A week later, Bergoro was arrested for violating a city ordinance banning half-naked men from walking in the streets. At this point, Viscaya told the police that Bergoro had robbed him, leading to the filing of a case against the latter. “Anyone would think twice if the P300 lost to a robber is worth the time and energy to go through the tedious process of court proceedings,” the court said, taking note of the complainant’s credibility. Erika Sauler with Sushmita Chim

Suspects in Marine’s slay probed for robberies

THE THREE men recently arrested for the cold-blooded shooting of a Marine sergeant are suspected of being members of a robbery gang preying on taxi cab passengers.  The Quezon City Police District said they were verifying the information about the men tagged in the killing of Sgt. Christopher Serviano. “We received a tip that these men may be involved in such activities. Also, they bear a strong resemblance to the sketches of previous suspects,” said QC police chief Senior Supt. Richard Albano. Brothers Ariel, 34, and Fernando, 28, and Jimboy Rondina, 25, face murder charges for the shooting of Serviano on Sunday night in Barangay Manresa. Julie M. Aurelio