4 attack barangay captain over group chat

MANILA, Philippines — Four people – a man and three women – were arrested for allegedly attacking a barangay captain over a social media group chat in Tondo, Manila before dawn yesterday.

Richmond Carl Valenzuela, 18; Denice Ondevilla, 19; Richelle Mae Valenzuela, 21, and Rica Mae Tubang, 23, face charges of alarm and scandal and direct assault, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).

Barangay 158 captain Aurea Marie Fernandez, 31, was walking home with her niece when she encountered the suspects, who were having a drinking session on the street, police said.

Valenzuela reportedly confronted Fernandez about the group chat. This led to a heated argument and physical altercation, the MPD reported.

Police investigators did not disclose the topic of the group chat that led to the altercation. The suspects allegedly threatened and cursed at Fernandez as well as threw a bottle of liquor at her.

Fernandez filed charges against the suspects, who were arrested by police officers from the Tayuman community precinct. The suspects are detained at the MPD’s Station 7 pending inquest proceedings before the city prosecutor’s office.