Attackers of ex-Muntinlupa mayor charged

MANILA, Philippines - Four men were charged for beating and stabbing former Muntinlupa mayor Santiago Carlos when he tried to prevent them from entering his family’s compound Saturday night.

Carlos, 75, was reportedly making the rounds of the Uding Compound along East Service Road in Alabang when he chanced upon three drunk men “who were about to go home,” said Chief Inspector Giovanni Martinez, head of local police intelligence unit.

Carlos called their attention at around 11:30 p.m. and asked for identification cards – a strict requirement before persons can enter or go around the compound, Martinez said.

The three men – later identified as Edito Libreza, 54; Tirso Retum, 28; and Cris Talapian, 29 – failed to show any, said Martinez. Police said they are visitors of Marleo Sales, 31.

The suspects allegedly ganged up on Carlos. Libreza got hold of Carlos’s nightstick and hit the former mayor on his arms. Retum, meanwhile, brought out a fan knife and lunged at Carlos, who was able to catch the blade.

Carlos retreated and sought help of barangay watchmen, who asked for police assistance to arrest the three men.

Sales, Libreza, and Talapian were charged for inflicting physical injuries while Retum was charged with attempted homicide, Martinez said.