Daanbantayan brgy. captain, tanods, supporters, face obstruction charges

CEBU, Philippines - The barangay captain of Bateria in Daanbantayan town and 16 of his tanods are facing possible charges for obstruction of justice after they allegedly intervened in the arrest of a person who was allegedly cutting off water pipes.

PO3 Mamerto Gastador of the Daanbantayan police said the incident started when a certain Geraldine Almadin, a resident of barangay Bateria, sought police assistance when she noticed the suspect Feliciano Tampus allegedly cutting off and stealing her neighbor’s water pipe.

The team of Chief Insp. Laurel Almirante then responded to the report but Tampus reportedly hid at the barangay hall.

However, when Almirante’s team arrived at the barangay hall, they were surprised to see barangay captain Arcinio Luciano, 16 barangay tanods, and Luciano’s supporters allegedly blocking the door of the building.

Luciano’s group allegedly tried to prevent Tampus’ arrest but the Daanbantayan police eventually managed to arrest the suspect.

Luciano’s group then went inside the barangay hall and locked themselves in to evade possible arrest.

The Daanbantayan police are now preparing charges for obstruction of justice against the respondents.

The Freeman tried to reach Almirante but he could not be reached as of yesterday. — Christopher Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)