Tomas wants Zabate investigated

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Representative Tomas Osmeña wants Sawang Calero Barangay Captain Benjamin Zabate investigated for allegedly firing his gun indiscriminately that alarmed   youth volunteers having an activity in the barangay last August 9.

The incident was reported at Taboan Police Station by the Osmeña-Youth Empowered for Service (O-YES) led by former SK Federation-Cebu City President Rengel Pelayo.

The O-YES volunteers held a variety show last August 9 at Block 6, Sawang Calero at about 9:30 p.m.

While wrapping up at around 11:45 p.m., they heard a gunshot that caused a commotion and frightened the youth volunteers.

The group has two witnesses who testified that they saw Zabate fired a shot in the air.

The youth group believes it was a form of harassment by the village chief.

Osmeña said he will be filing charges against Zabate if the allegations of the youth volunteers will be proven true.

“Yes. The apparent object of harassment were several dozen members of a youth volunteer group that had a social activity in the barangay,” Osmeña said.

A barangay official said that the activity conducted by the O-YES was among the nightly activities in celebration of the barangay fiesta.

Zabate, in an interview with The Freeman, denied the allegation of the youth group.

Zabate said the he was in the basketball court at the time he allegedly fired his gun.

He admitted his relationship with Osmeña has turned sour in September last year when he was allegedly scolded by Osmeña for bringing a sick person to the congressman to ask for help.

 Zabate did not elaborate.

He also said he does not want to speculate if Osmeña’s move is politically motivated.– (FREEMAN)