Retired cop-turned-barangay captain nabbed for graft

CEBU, Philippines — A retired police officer who now serves as barangay captain of Barangay Oboob, Bantayan, Cebu, has been arrested for alleged graft and corrupt practices committed during his time in the police service.

The suspect was identified as 61-year-old Jesus Batobalonos, a resident and incumbent barangay captain of Oboob, elected during the 2023 barangay elections.

Batobalonos was arrested on Friday, October 24, by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City. The warrant, dated September 24, was signed by Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi.

Police said the warrant was served jointly by the Sibonga Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Bantayan Municipal Police Station, at Batobalonos’ residence around 10:40 a.m.

The case involves a violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act of 1960, which prohibits public officials from causing undue injury to any party or giving unwarranted benefits to private individuals through manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence.

The offense carries a recommended bail of P90,000.

In an interview with The Freeman, Police Staff Sergeant Apolinar Albiso Jr. of the Sibonga Municipal Police Station confirmed Batobalonos’ arrest.

Albiso said the retired officer is currently detained at the Sibonga custodial facility following his arrest in Bantayan.

As of this writing, no further details have been released regarding the specific graft charges filed against Batobalonos. — /FPL (FREEMAN)