By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent
THE capitol pressed charges against suspected members of a crime group that has allegedly used unclaimed cadavers to seek government aid, and organize wakes in order to collect “tongs” from gamblers before selling the corpses.
Elizabeth Libona, head of the Miscorcares health program of the capitol, filed three complaints against Ricky Tagoylo, 29, of Zamboanga, and Zenaida Lopez, 55, of Mat-i, Naawan, Misamis Oriental.
The suspects were charged with deceit based on Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code, use of fictitious names, and use of false certificates on orders of Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano.
Libona said Emano was bent on pursuing cases against Tagoylo and Lopez to send a strong message against those planning to seek capitol support through deception.
Emano said in an interview earlier: “Dili man mahimo nga maghulat pa ako nga masubli pa kining maong hitabo, ma-o nga pasaylo-on gayud ako, nga ako gyud nga gipakasohan ang mga suspect.”
The suspects were subjected to inquest proceedings yesterday, days after police arrested them in Initao town where they brought the corpse of a teenager that was taken from a morgue here.
Police said the suspects deceived hospital workers at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), and capitol employees processing requests for aid from the Misorcares program.
The suspects, according to the police, misrepresented themselves to claim the corpse, and then brought the body to Initao with the help of Misorcares. It was learned that a Misorcares vehicle was even used to move the cadaver.
PO3 Alaindelon Tacubao said the suspects could not be charged with theft, and the family of the dead teenager from Bukidnon did not show interest in pressing charges.
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