The theft of three sacks of mangoes in Asingan, Pangasinan by Lolo Narding, a former 80-year-old caretaker, may be settled in court.
This was revealed Saturday, Jan. 22 by presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson after going to Asingan last Thursday where members of his staff interviewed Lolo Narding (Narding Flores) who was bailed out on theft charges for allegedly stealing three sacks of mangoes and the complainant, Robert Hong, the present caretaker, who also works as a truck driver.
In his Viber account, Lacson said Robert and Lolo Narding agreed to amicably settle their case in court during the latter’s scheduled arraignment on February 8.
‘’Robert’s only request is for us to help him rectify the disinformation no matter how unintentional, but unfortunately has put him in a very bad light. He said that he only did what is right under the circumstances and does not deserve the treatment he is getting, mostly from the misinformed netizens and the public. We believed him,’’ he said.
‘’The Asingan PIO has already issued an apology even as they have already taken down the story that they posted earlier,’’ he added.
‘’I went to Asingan, Pangasinan last Thursday, Jan. 20. It was a 174-kilometer ride from home. I wanted to make sure I had all the facts first before offering my help. I was aware that I was dealing with somebody with a pending criminal case for theft. Nevertheless, I decided to help,’’ he pointed out.
‘’Here’s the twist: Narding Flores, the 80-year-old former caretaker of the property, did steal three (3) sacks of mangoes worth P12,000, not ten (10) kilograms as earlier claimed. He sold the mangoes in the local “talipapa” and had already spent the proceeds.
‘’Much earlier, for unknown reasons, he was dismissed as caretaker by the property owner,’’ Lacson said.
‘’Robert Hong has to stop working as he is now in hiding due to incessant cyber-bullying, courtesy of some bloggers and netizens who continue to hound him when the case went viral after the Asingan PIO posted on Facebook Lolo Narding’s arrest and detention. Robert’s family also cries for justice. They are worried about Robert’s security,’’ he added.