Mancio slapped with attempted homicide, grave threat charges

CEBU, Philippines - Former Madridejos mayor Letty Mancio, her son Michael and their bodyguard are now facing attempted homicide, grave threats and damages before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Eduardo Sayson and Norma Batusbatusan, residents of San Agustin, Madridejos, together with Santiago Despi, Jr., a member of the Philippine Marine Corps. and his wife, Luna Rosales-Despi, residents of Delgado-Mabolo Sts., Iloilo City, and four other minors, have filed a joint complaint against the Mancios and their still unidentified bodyguard on April 16 before the office of Provincial Prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba.

In their affidavit, the complainants, together with about fifty friends and relatives, said that they went on a tour in the nearby islands of Bantayan, on April 11 as part of their reunion celebration. 

At around 3 p.m., they said that they tried to dock in an island because their boat has encountered engine trouble. However, a few meters away from the shoreline, an unidentified person allegedly told them that they could not dock there because an exclusive party is being held there.

At this point, Norma Batusbatusan allegedly asked the former mayor if they could stay in the said place. Thereafter, Batusbatusan informed her companions to proceed to the tip of the island for they are only allowed to swim at the back portion.

When they were about 200 meters away from the beach, the complainants said that Michael, the son of Mancio, appeared on the beach front and allegedly shouted “invectives” to drive them away. Furthermore, a group of persons came, one of them identified as Mancio’s bodyguard, who positioned himself beside Michael while the shouting and threatening happened. — Iris Christine Cornito and Angelica Odias, UP MassCom Interns/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)