Drug suspect indicted for security camera theft

ILOILO CITY—An alleged drug lord accused of trying to forcibly enter a radio station in this city has been indicted for theft.

The Iloilo City prosecutor’s office found probable cause to charge businessman Melvin Odicta and his son and namesake, Melvin Jr., with the loss of a close-circuit television (CCTV) camera worth at least P16,000.

The camera, owned by the radio station, was mounted at the top of the iron gate on the ground floor of the building.

But in its five-page resolution, the prosecutor’s office dismissed the complaint against the Odictas for grave threat, trespass to dwelling and robbery for lack of probable cause.

The complaints against a third respondent, village councilor Jesus Espinosa Jr., were also dismissed for lack of evidence.

The information against the Odictas was filed at the Iloilo Regional Trial Court on March 9.

Police filed the complaint against the respondents after the elder Odicta was identified in footage of security cameras as the leader of a group of men who attempted to forcibly enter the Carlos Uy Building on Nov. 19 last year. Also identified was Melvin Jr. who was seen restraining his father, and Espinosa.

The building houses radio station dyOK Aksyon Radyo Iloilo which has been airing commentaries against illegal drug operations in Iloilo City.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has identified the elder Odicta as the leader of one of two main drug groups operating in the city.