JVR clarifies “mysterious” truck issue

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny delos Reyes clarified his alleged presence in an area where an impounded dump truck “mysteriously” caught fire Sunday morning.

Delos Reyes said that he was informed through a text message that a dump truck parked at the city plaza caught fire.

“Kadto nga panahona kuyog nako ang akong close-in body guard ug ang pipila ka mga higala,” said Delos Reyes, as he narrated his schedule that Sunday included attending activities for Women’s Month.

“Human ana, mi lakaw na dayon mi alang sa pagpadayon sa mga kalihokan sa Women’s Month. Pag-uli na nako sa amoa kalit lang ko gi texsan nga naay na sunog nga mini dump truck sa plaza. Ako lang gi-take note ang text message kay ang dump truck lagi naa ra duol sa police station ug sa fire station so maka-respondi dayon sila sa maong fire alarm,” the mayor said.

Delos Reyes requested the media that if there are reports involving him, he should be called for clarification.

The report on the fire incident published in The Freeman and Banat News did not mention that delos Reyes was involved.

It only stated that the mayor was reportedly seen in the area where he shooed away a group of children playing inside the vehicle before it caught fire.

Talisay City Fire Marsal Randy Mendaros said they received the fire alarm past 10 a.m.

Mendaros said they were told that the mayor went to the area where the dump truck was and shooed away the kids playing inside.

Delos Reyes said that contrary to the report that the truck was at the impounding area, it was actually parked along the road adjacent to the police station since it was apprehended by the police for lack of legal documents.

Meanwhile, Talisay City Legal Office, through Lawyer Alfredo Sipalay, informed The Freeman that the city already coordinated with the chief of Talisay Police Station and the Fire station about the legal actions that would be taken against those behind the fire.   But since the culprits were identified to be minors aged 10 years old and below, Sipalay said they will file cases against their parents instead.

“Sa karon anaa gi custodiya ang mga suspect nga puros mga minor sa City Social Development Office,” Sipalay said.

“Pursuant to the law on Juvenile Justice Welfare Act under RA 9344, a minor ages 15 years old below cannot be criminally liable and therefore free from criminal suit but civilly accountable,” he said.

Sipalay said, “ang mahitabo ani ron kay minor man ang suspect ang mga ginikanan ani sa mga minor ang mag atubang sa kaso.”

He also told the Freeman that the witnesses, who are all road sweepers, will file affidavits to disclose what they saw prior the incident.

On Monday, the case will be filed against the parents.

Delos Reyes wanted the police to submit a summary report on the status of the dump truck before it caught fire. — Renan Alangilan of Banat News/ATO (FREEMAN)