Five men face charges for knocking down store

CEBU, Philippines - After demolishing a structure on the instruction of their barangay captain, five men are now facing a case for malicious mischief filed in the Prosecutors Office in Lapu-Lapu City.

Porferio Wagwag, a barangay tanod, Nonoy Villaperille (who works in the barangay hall as a “Lupon”), Renato Apa (laborer), Romel Talingting (laborer), and Judato Manayon (laborer) will attend their first hearing on October 24.

Jane Igot alleged that all the accused, upon the instruction of barangay Agus captain Remegio Oyao, demolished her store last month without presenting the necessary papers to her.

During the demolition, she called the police who arrived and arrested Talingting and Manayon.

Barangay captain Remegio Oyao admitted he ordered the demolition based on the recommendation of the City Engineer's Office.

Oyao said he thought he had the go signal to demolish the structure after informing the city administrator about 8 months ago.

Lapu-Lapu City administrator Teodolo Ybanez admitted he was informed about the structure of Igot months ago.

He said he already endorsed it to the city legal office, and the legal office will be the one to enforce it, adding that the barangay has no authority to demolish any structure. - THE FREEMAN