By Jennifer P. Rendon
A salesman is facing criminal charges after allegedly fabricating a robbery incident on April 3 in Tubungan, Iloilo.
In addition to qualified theft, the suspect—identified only as “Rem”—will be charged for filing a false police report.
At around 12:30 p.m. on April 3, the Tubungan Municipal Police Station received a report from the Leon police about a supposed robbery involving a salesman and his driver.
The two claimed they were robbed by two unidentified men along Barangay Teniente Benito in Tubungan.
Tubungan police, led by Capt. Alberto Manguilimotan Jr., immediately responded to the area and launched an investigation.
Rem told police that he and his driver, identified only as “JR,” were passing through Sitio Sunugan in Barangay Teniente Benito from Guimbal town when the alleged incident occurred.
He said they were en route to Tigbauan for a liquor delivery and had passed through Leon before reaching Tubungan.
According to Rem, at around 11:30 a.m., two men blocked their vehicle and robbed them of PHP58,300.
He said one suspect wore a black sweatshirt while the other was dressed in a fatigue jacket.
Both were reportedly armed with unknown caliber firearms and had their faces covered with shirts.
However, police later found no evidence that a robbery occurred at the time and location claimed.
JR did not corroborate Rem’s account.
Witnesses also said they saw no signs of a robbery during the reported time.
A couple driving behind the delivery van told police they did not see anyone block the road or approach the vehicle.
Manguilimotan said investigators are reviewing the appropriate criminal charges to be filed against Rem.
The suspect’s employer also plans to charge him with qualified theft for failing to remit company funds.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Police Provincial Director Col. Bayani Razalan emphasized the importance of verifying the truth behind reports filed with law enforcement.
He warned that filing false reports undermines police operations and wastes government resources.
“Those who choose to fabricate incidents will face the full weight of the law and may find themselves behind bars,” Razalan said.
