Ex-barangay chair charged for failing to return firearm

THE former barangay chairman of  Anopog in Pinamungajan town, midwest Cebu is facing trial for allegedly failing to return a government-owned firearm.

The Ombudsman-Visayas said it found sufficient basis to indict Elmerito Panlaan on charges of malversation of public property.

Panlaan didn’t return the .9mm pistol issued to him in 2003 despite repeated demands from the Municipal Treasurer’s Office.

In 2013, Pinamugajan Mayor Glenn Baricuatro ordered the municipal treasurer to account for and turn over all service vehicles and firearms owned by the municipal government.

Panlaan submitted an affidavit and claimed that he already turned over the firearm to the chief of police in 2006.

The pistol which is valued at P40,175 remains missing.

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