Man, who robbed teacher of phone, charged in court

A man who allegedly robbed a college instructor of her cellphone while waiting for a ride in Cebu City was indicted by the prosecutor's office.

Prosecutor Alex Gabud found probable cause to hold Jan-jan Pelonio, resident of B. Aranas Extension, Barangay Duljo Fatima, Cebu City, for trial on charges of robbery.

“A reading of the records of this case shows probable cause against the respondent. Complainant positively identified him through the Police Rogue's Gallery as the same person who robbed her iPhone at knife point, which is a clear case of robbery,” reads the resolution.

Kimberly Tabar, 22, resident of Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City, identified Pelonio through the police files as the one who robbed her on November 8, 2017.

She was walking along N. Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City to get a ride home when the suspect pointed a knife at her and demanded her cellphone. The suspect allegedly threatened to stab her if she refused to give her cellphone.

Out of fear, the victim was forced to give her iPhone to the suspect, who immediately fled from the area. Tabar reported the incident to Mambaling Police Station and asked for assistance but the police failed to arrest the suspect.

Using the police's rogues gallery, the victim positively identified Pelonio as the one who took her P32,000 worth cellphone.

Pelonio, in his counteraffidavit, denied the charges against him. He claimed to be in Talisay City with his brother, Patricio, and aunt Joveline during the alleged robbery incident.

Despite his denial, the prosecutor has found sufficient evidence to elevate the charges before the court.

“Respondent's defense of alibi and denial cannot overthrow the positive identification of the said complainant. Denial and alibi are inherently weak defenses and constitute self-serving negative evidence which cannot be accorded greater evidentiary weight that the positive declaration of credible witness,” reads the resolution.

The prosecutor's office has recommended P100,000 bail for Pelonio's temporary liberty.