Ex-mayor indicted for arson

Former Taguig Mayor Ricardo Papa and four other local officials were indicted for arson at the Sandiganbayan yesterday after they allegedly set on fire a mosque and several adjacent houses in four barangays in the municipality in September 1998.

Sued along with Papa were Councilor Robert Dionisio, municipal engineer Renato Maniquiz, acting chief of police Artemio Bermido and Barangay Chairman Rolando Olazo.

A bail of P40,000 each was recommended by special prosecutor Omar Sagadal for their temporary liberty.

Government prosecutors said the mayor and his alleged cohorts "poured gasoline and set on fire" the mosque, houses and other structures in Barangay Bay Breeze, Wawa, Tambak and Hagonoy, damaging homes of some 18 residents. Total damage was placed at P490,600.

Arson, according to prosecutors, was allegedly committed while the local government officials were trying to evict squatters who refused to vacate the said areas. – Delon Porcalla