...as security guard recants statements vs. mayor's son

CEBU, Philippines – Joavan Fernandez's former security guard who earlier accused him of grave threats has recanted her statements against the controversial son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez.

Talisay City Prosecutor Marshal Rubia yesterday revealed that Guillermina Barrido filed her affidavit of desistance before his office at 3 p.m. Tuesday in relation to the grave threats complaint she filed against Joavan.

Barrido was accompanied by her husband and her brother-in-law Brandon Barrido when she lodged her affidavit of desistance.

Rubia said he is set to return Barrido's complaint to the barangay as Barrido has still failed to submit a certificate to file action, which is issued by the barangay. This move can already however be considered moot as Barrido has already settled with her former boss Joavan last October 15 when they met before Bulacao barangay chief Raul Cabañero, who presided the mediation between the two of them.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Henry Biñas, chief of Talisay City Police Station, said Barrido has all the rights to retreat from the case she filed.

It can be recalled that it was Biñas who first offered security to Barrido when she ran to the police station and accused Joavan of threatening her shortly after she divulged to the police that the mayor's son is into illegal drug trade.

Barrido used to work for Joavan as his bodyguard.

She was transferred to the Cebu Provincial Police Office together with her entire family before she filed the case. (FREEMAN)