Market administrator charged with slight physical injuries

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu City market administrator Racquel Bohol-Arce was charged with slight physical injuries before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas for allegedly maltreating a 15-year old boy at the Taboan Public Market.

The victim was assisted by his neighbor, Edgardo Briones, in filing the complaint before the anti-graft office.

Arce denied the allegation saying it is malicious and orchestrated by Briones whom she booted-out from his rented stall at the Taboan market for violation of the city's market ordinance.

Briones allegedly used his stall as sleeping quarters which is a violation of the ordinance.

The 15-year old boy alleged that Arce confronted him on September 14 why he was not wearing his shirt inside the market. The complainant said that Arce held his right arm causing abrasions because of the market official's long fingernails.

According to the complainant, he was also choked by Arce's bodyguard and was forced to hold a cigarette while somebody was asked to take a picture of him.

The complainant also accused Arce of threatening to kill him.

"Unahon tika'g patay," the complainant recalled Arce telling him.

The market administrator however said there was no truth to the accusations.

"Wa na siya gi-tuok. Nilugnot na siya," Arce said adding she did not threaten to kill the boy and was not forced to hold a cigarette.

"Nanigarilyo na siya sulod sa akong opisina unya ang iyang upos gilabay sa kilid. Ako-ang gipapunit niya ang upos," Arce added.

Arce questioned why Briones is assisting the complainant when the latter has a mother.

She said this is a clear indication that Briones orchestrated the complaint to harass her because of the demolition she earlier ordered against all illegal structures inside the Taboan Public Market including that of Briones. (FREEMAN)