Yt Framework

A known Zamboangueño fashion designer who was implicated in the alleged swindling complaint by an Australian national vehemently denied on Saturday the accusation against him.

In a press conference held at the Astoria Hotel’s Lotus Restaurant, Jose Franklin “Angking” Francisco together with his two legal counsels Atty. Alfredo Jimenez and Atty. Junie Castillo, said he was maligned by the media thus, called for the press briefing to vindicate his name.

Jimenez emphasized his client was seriously maligned by some media outfits and as far as involvement is concerned there is no iota of evidence to pinpoint that Francisco has engaged himself in the swindling allegation.

“In fact, when the police investigators forwarded the case to the fiscal’s office for raffle of the case, the fiscal who was assigned to handle the case did not summon Francisco only the suspected woman a certain Princess Fulio because the fiscal found no evidence to include his name,” said Jimenez.

Castillo, at the same time, said the Australian national came to see the girl in Zamboanga City and eventually wants to marry her.

“But in his affidavit of complaint he is married. There is no certification from the Australian embassy that he is single. He is also guilty to some extent because of deceit,” Castillo added.

Jimenez said if the Zamboangueña girl met the Australian through chatting with the use of internet there exist no crime on the basis of territoriality and the news that came out in the media was only sensationalized “because the media want news that are controversial and exaggerated.”

Castillo said he was appalled by the pernicious conduct of the Australian in coming to Zamboanga City and accused the girl of swindling. “This speaks how lowly he sees the Zamboangueño. Then he immediately filed the case and the police without investigating incarcerated her.”

He said the only involvement of Angking was to advise the girl during their chatting session and the use of his laptop, ”that will not make Angking an accomplice or the mastermind.”

According to Castillo, what appear to be the facts are not what it seems to be. “This is a comedy of error.”

The police should have first investigated the case starting from the beginning to get the exact report and not just jailed the woman on the basis that the complaint was filed by a white man.

The legal counsels disclosed there are two Australian nationals and two women who are involved in this case and have brought confusion to everyone.

By Nonong Santiago