Court allows mall robbery suspect to post bail

One of the suspects in the armored van robbery at Robinson’s Place two years ago has been allowed by the court to post P1 million bail.

Cebu City Regional Trial Court Judge Wilfredo Navarro of Branch 19 granted the petition of Rolien Castro to post bail pending resolution of the robbery with homicide charges filed against him.

In an order dated Sept. 20, the judge said the prosecution has failed to present any evidence to prove that Castro conspired with the other accused in the commission of the crime.

“The court finding that indeed, so far, the prosecution has not clearly established Castro’s participation in the alleged robbery with homicide,” Navarro said.

The judge ordered Castro to pay P1 million as bail bond for his temporary liberty.

Navarro also required Castro to report to the branch clerk of court on a monthly basis, preferably every 15th day of the month, to make sure he will not escape. The court will issue a separate hold departure order against him.

Castro, who is still detained at the Cebu City Jail, was also required to undergo regular drug and paraffin test by the court.

Castro’s lawyer Ramses Villagonzalo said his client and the latter’s family are happy with the development. “As of now, his (Castro) family is raising the required P1 million cash bail through loans and/or selling or mortgaging of real properties,” Villagonzalo said.

Castro, along with Junjun Cabando and Merly Laguitao, was arrested by police in relation to the robbery incident in Cebu City on Sept. 5, 2011.

Castro allegedly served as the lookout during the heist.

Cabando, the alleged group leader, was accused of taking the money bag from an employee of China Bank, teller Lewin Surig, who delivered money to MS Money Changer.