Tondo barangay chief faces direct assault rap

MANILA, Philippines — A barangay captain in Tondo, Manila accused of punching an employee of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was arrested yesterday on charges of direct assault.

Barangay 51 chairman Rommel Bravo was accompanied by police during inquest proceedings at the Manila city prosecutor’s office.

Bravo allegedly punched Mark Anthony Medios, a member of the MMDA Task Force Special Operations and Anti-Colorum Unit, as the team was clearing the Mabuhay lane along Dagupan Extension, Tondo on Tuesday.

The barangay captain denied the accusation.

The STAR reached out to Bravo on his Facebook account, but he did not respond.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has ordered an investigation of Bravo.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said he would not tolerate any wrongdoing against law enforcers.

Abalos vowed sanctions against Bravo if he is found guilty.

According to Abalos, barangay officials are mandated to uphold the law and carry out policies in clearing road obstructions in their jurisdiction along with other government agencies.–  Romina Cabrera