For running away with honorarium; ex-barangay treasurer detained, posts bail

CEBU, Philippines - For running away a few years ago with P50,000 supposedly for the honorarium of barangay employees, police detained the former barangay treasurer of Lapay, Argao Tuesday morning.

She posted bail later that day.

The case was filed against Catherine Chavez, 39, some years ago but the arrest warrant for Malversation of Public Funds was received by the police last Monday.

The warrant was signed by Regional Trial Court Judge Hon. Maximo Perez of Branch 26 in Argao.

Upon learning that the warrant against her was out, Chavez voluntarily surrendered on Tuesday morning.

She later posted P40,000 bail for her temporary liberty.

“Amo siya giadto adtong paglusot gyud sa warrant kaso wala siya sa ilaha…anang buntag sayo sa Martes na siya mi-surrender, (Upon receiving the warrant, we went to her house but she was not there. She surrendered Tuesday mor-ning),” Insp. Alejandro Batobalonos, Argao police chief, said.

 Batobalonos recalled that Chavez was asked to withdraw P50,000 at a bank for the honorarium of barangay employees.

After withdrawing the cash, Chavez reportedly went to a grocery store but never returned.

 Barangay personnel just learned that Chavez, who is married, allegedly ran away with another man. She was then dismissed from work.

Batobalonos added that Chavez temporarily stayed in Cebu City and just returned in Argao recently. — (FREEMAN)