DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan – Lolo Narding Floro, the 80-year-old grandfather in Asingan, Pangasinan who was arrested over theft allegations, has been released from police custody after several individuals bailed him out Thursday, Jan. 20.
This was verified by Major Napoleon Eleccion, Asingan chief of police.
Floro was assisted by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), to process his temporary release, which was then decided upon by presiding Judge Sarah Marcos Martin, 7th Municipal Circuit Trial Court, Asingan-San Manuel Pangasinan
He, however, is still mandated to attend a hearing for his case on February 8, 2022.
It could be recalled that the Public Information Office (PIO) Asingan, through Romel Aguilar, confirmed the arrest of Leonardo Floro on January 13, after being accused of stealing around 10 kilograms of mangoes.
In Aguilar’s interview with Floro, he adamantly explained that he was picking mangoes in a tree he himself planted years ago, but was allegedly fenced by the complainant.
“Pinapitas ko ’yung isang puno ng mangga wala pang sampung kilo, ang alam ko sakop namin. Noong binakuran nila, sinakop naman na nila pero tanim ko naman ’yun. (I was picking the mango tree's fruits, about ten kilograms, I really knew that was my tree. But they placed a fence, took over my mangoes, but those were my mangoes, I planted it)," he said, as per PIO Asingan report.
The octogenarian allegedly attempted to make amends, and even offered to pay for the damages, but was met with deaf ears.
He was instead forced to face a case in court for alleged theft and was subsequently arrested through a warrant of arrest issued by the court.
Since his arrest, Mang Narding has been under police custody, until his plight went viral, resulting to his eventual release.
Mang Narding expressed his gratitude to everyone who assisted him through a live video by the Asingan PNP.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Ferdinand de Asis, Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) public information officer, denied allegations on the ‘inhumane’ treatment of Mang Narding while under custody.
“Hindi siya ikinulong. Nasa pangagalaga siya ng PNP pero hindi po siya kailanman ipinasok sa selda, (He was not jailed. He was under PNP custody, but he was never put in the cell)," de Asis asserted.
He even added that policemen have chipped funds to save for Mang Narding’s release.
When asked whether the case like this one may be solved amicably, de Asis assured it will be taken care of.
“Magkakaroon ng reinvestigation. Tinutulungan po ng kapulisan para po mailinis po ang mga kaso niya, na pwede naman sanang maayos at hindi na maidaan dito. That way hindi na po madaragdagan ang problema niya , (There will be a reinvestigation. The police will assist him to find out the truth, and find possible ways to settle this amicably. That way his problems would go away,)" said de Asis in an interview.
As he was released, policemen assisted Lolo Narding back to his home in Barangay Bantog.
Police are also set to further assist him until the court reaches a decision on his case.