Joavan “confiscates” two trucks

CEBU, Philippines - Joavan Fernandez is in trouble again.

Two people went to the Talisay City Police Station to report that the son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez flagged down their trucks and took these to the City Hall even if they committed no infractions.

Joavan’s last brush with the law was when he was accused last year of firing his gun at a gasoline station cashier’s both in barangay Bulacao, Talisay City.

Last Wednesday evening, 33-year-old Jovy Salazar, of sitio Pungsod, barangay Lawaan I, Talisay reported to the police.

He said he was driving a Mitsubishi Fuso dumptruck owned by Irene Pabatao that was transporting five cubic meters of sand when he was flagged down by Joavan in Sitio Laray, barangay San Roque, Talisay.

Without any reason, Salazar said, Joavan took the truck to the City Hall compound in Mohon even if  he showed complete documents of the vehicle and the delivery receipt of the sand by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Another incident was recorded in the police blotter last Friday evening, with complainant Julius Abad, 45, of barangay Duljo Fatima, Cebu City.

Abad is the owner of a blue dump truck with plate number MDH-505 that was also transporting sand. The vehicle was driven by Leandro Jaberina when flagged down by Joavan.

Abad alleged that Joavan confiscated his vehicle and brought it to the City Hall compound without any reason. Abad also showed complete documents of his vehicle and the documents from the DENR.

Banat News checked the traffic division and learned that the vehicle had complete documents including requirements from the DENR for the sand delivery.

Inspector Margienette Yosores said that she immediately ordered the release of the vehicle after it was confirmed that it has no violations.

Efforts to reach Joavan for his statement failed. — (FREEMAN)