Joavan's new victim in hiding

CEBU, Philippines - The car painter who accused Joavan Fernandez of mauling him is now in hiding, reportedly due to fears that the son of Mayor Socrates Fernandez would get back at him.

Casimiro Briones had claimed that he got the ugly bruises in his mouth and nose from Joavan, who allegedly mauled him last Saturday.

Joavan was reportedly irked after Briones refused his challenge for a drag race while they were passing by the Cebu South Coastal Road.

Joavan could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.

PO3 Mikie Espina of the Talisay City Police said Briones' mother told them during a visit to her house that her son left a letter under his pillow yesterday dawn.

Espina said that based from the letter, Briones left, afraid that Joavan would harm him again. Espina advised Briones' mother to file a formal complaint against Joavan. Briones has not filed any case against the mayor’s son.

Acting Talisay City Police Chief Errol Francis Deveyra said that the incident has not been recorded in the blotter although it was reported to barangay Candulawan.

Briones, according to his mother, is a habal-habal driver and his wife is a laundry woman working for Joavan.

Joavan reportedly challenged Briones to a drag race while they were on their way to Cebu City. Sensing that it would do him no good, Briones, who was driving a motorcycle, declined and slowed down when Joavan sped off.

Briones did not follow the mayor's son and went home instead. Later that day, Joavan called him and asked him to go over to his house. Thinking that Joavan had already forgotten what happened, Briones went to the mayor's son's house, only to get mauled.

Deveyra said he directed Espina to visit the house of Briones to investigate and urge the victim to file a complaint. But Briones already left when the police came to their house in barangay Candulawan.

For his part, Deveyra, who assumed office last Sunday, assured that they will investigate the case even if it involves the son of the mayor. – (FREEMAN)