Sandiganbayan (File photo)
MANILA – The Sandiganbayan has cleared the former head of the Iligan City Highway Patrol Group (HPG) of graft charges arising from an entrapment operation five years ago.
The anti-graft court First Division set aside the decision of the Lanao del Norte Regional Trial Court Branch 6 and acquitted Sr. Insp. Rolando Rigat, citing “the failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”
Rigat was implicated by the Philippine National Police - Counter-Intelligence Task Force, which responded to complaints that random checkpoints set up by the HPG-Iligan City pounce on motorists and come up with questionable traffic violations.
The complainants alleged Rigat’s team accept money in exchange for the release of licenses or vehicle registration.
In acquitting Rigat, the court noted that he had no actual participation in the conduct of the checkpoints.
“The court cannot simply presume wrongdoing where none was alleged and proven. On the contrary, the presumption of innocence weighs heavily in favor of the accused,” the tribunal said in its April 17 ruling. (PNA)
