CHR hopes for settlement, dropping of charge vs. lolo who allegedly took mangoes

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday said it is hoping the charge filed against an 80-year-old man for alleged theft of mangoes will be dropped and that an amicable settlement be reached instead.

"Cognizant of the costly and protracted nature of litigation, the Commission on Human Rights hopes that alternative means to settle the dispute be explored, an amicable agreement be reached, and possibly a desistance of the charge filed given the circumstances of the complaint and condition of the accused," CHR spokesperson Attorney Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

The CHR was referring to the case filed against Leonardo Flores who was arrested on January 13 and jailed for allegedly stealing mangoes in Asingan, Pangasinan.

He was arrested by a December 20, 2021 warrant issued by Sarah Marcos-Martin of the 7th Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MCTC) of Asingan-San Manuel.

Information from the police said Flores harvested some 10 kilos of mangoes from a tree near his property, but which he claimed he planted.

The area where the mango tree was planted and Flores’ house have the same owner. The property owner had died while their children were in Manila and abroad.

Only the caretaker lived in the house where the mango tree was planted. It was the caretaker who filed the complaint against Flores.

After a week in jail, Flores was released on Thursday after paying the P6,000 bail with the help of police personnel and Asingan residents.

Flores said all he really wanted was to sell the fruits so he could buy food.

"It is unfortunate that an 80-year old man has been sued for theft after picking mangoes from trees which, he asserts, was planted by himself. This incident, at the same time, highlights the importance of knowing one’s rights and the availability of legal assistance, especially for the vulnerable and marginalised citizens," De Guia said.

"In this incident, we equally recognise the commendable acts of the Asingan police in Pangasinan in handling the case, as well as the legal assistance rendered by the Public Attorney’s Office to 80-year old. We continue to assert the importance of constitutional guarantees for the accused, including presumption of innocence, as well as all other rights related to upholding the due process and the rule of law. In the end, we must remember that laws are in place not only to exact accountability from perpetrators, but also to protect the vulnerable when needed," she added.

Meanwhile, three aspirants in Eleksyon 2022 said imprisonment was severe as punishment for the octogenarian. —KG, GMA News