CEBU, Philippines – Criminal complaints for grave threats and theft were filed against Tinago barangay councilman Joel Garganera by the personnel of a towing company under contract with the City Traffic Operations and Management after the public official allegedly threatened them while trying to tow a vehicle illegally parked in barangay Capitol Site last month.
One Stop Towing Services personnel Mark Anthony Boyo, Gerald Boyo and Allan Hekin filed the complaints before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office after they were allegedly threatened by Garganera.
They also accused Garganera of stealing the memory card of the camera they were using to document their towing operations.
The complainants claimed that on April 8 at about 1:30 in the morning they were roaming around the streets of the city to enforce City Ordinance No. 2004.
They were with traffic enforcer Jonathan Romaiz.
While on patrol, Romaiz spotted a Sports Utility Vehicle parked along Don Jose Avila St. corner F. Ramos in Barangay Capitol Site where overnight parking is prohibited.
The complainants said Romaiz called the attention of a man who was standing nearby to ask who the owner of the vehicle was.
Since there was no driver inside, Romaiz allegedly requested the team of the complainants to tow the vehicle.
However, as they tried to mount the vehicle for towing Garganera and several other persons came and shouted at them.
Garganera allegedly said, “unsa man ni? Sige lang mo’g pataka pangguyod! Gipan-an tamo do. Nanguroy mo ganina!”
Romaiz allegedly tried to explain that they were just trying to enforce the city ordinance that prohibits illegal parking. However, Garganera reportedly shouted at them and threatened to beat up Romaiz.
Garganera’s companion who allegedly introduced himself as “IBP president” also came. The complainants alleged that Garganera threatened Hekin.
“Dali nimo naka down sa clam, buk-an tika og ulo,” the complainants quoted Garganera as having said.
Garganera also reportedly grabbed the sling of the digital camera that they were using to document their towing operation causing it to fall on the ground. The complainants said Garganera took the memory card of the camera.
According to them, because of the threats to their lives they have decided to forego the towing of the illegally parked SUV. – Fred P. Languido/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)