Nestor Segismundo, 39, of Boquig, Bantay town, a vocal critic of former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson, was charged by May Layug, 35, with slander by deeds and grave oral defamation before the Municipal Trial Court here.
Vigan police chief Senior Superintendent Mario Subagan said Segismundo and one Evangeline Rodriguez, both residents of Boquig, Bantay town, allegedly beat up Layug after a heated argument.
Meanwhile, Singson lauded the local Roman Catholic hierarchy for taking a bold role in the fight against jueteng in the province.
"I am very happy with this new development," Singson said in a statement from China where he is on a business trip. "I hope the church and civic groups in Ilocos Sur will continue to be vigilant against jueteng." — Myds Supnad