Case dismissed; village officials, others freed

CEBU, Philippines - An opposition barangay captain in San Fernando town, two of his councilmen, six tanods, and a plumber, who were arrested last Sunday for alleged malicious mischief, were released at around 1 p.m. yesterday.Barangay Balud captain Reliso Enad, in an interview with The Freeman, said they were supposed to post bail but learned from the Municipal Trial Court that their case was already dismissed last April 27. 

“Mo-bail unta mi pero na-dismiss naman diay ning among kaso,” he said.

Enad, who met with his officials and supporters shortly after their release, said they were mulling filing charges against the arresting officers. 

Reliso, his wife, barangay councilwoman Lolita Enad, and councilman Arcadio Bacasmas, barangay tanods Manuel Abellana, Reynaldo Basmayor, Joel Abellana, Apolonio Bonghanoy, Fedilito Opada, Doroteo Yoco, and plumber Hector Hermosa were arrested last Sunday for allegedly cutting the water supply of the barangay.

Early this year, they were charged before the MTC in San Fernando for malicious mischief following the alleged crime.

But former Mayor Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya, who accompanied her arrested party-mates yesterday, said they learned that the case was already dismissed last April 27, and yesterday, MTC judge Glenda Go issued a release order.

Enad and those arrested are known political opponents of Mayor Antonio Canoy.

“Ang pangutana ani kay nganong gi-serve pa ang warrant, and gitumong pa gyud nga naa sa medical mission ug free tuli si Kapitan (Enad) ug ang iyang mga tawo. This is a sign of injustice,” Reluya said.

“This is clearly political harassment, another way to threaten our allies,” said the former mayor, adding that the administration is bent on separating supporters.

Reluya, who has declared her candidacy next year, is said to have won over at least seven barangay captains, while more than half of the councilors of the town are also with her.

She said they will consult with their lawyers for the proper charges against those involved in the arrest to put a stop to it, as reportedly there were other barangay chiefs in her group who were also harassed.

And that she will also find out why the warrant of arrest was issued on May 2 when the case was already dismissed days before that.

Meanwhile, Nonoy Reluya, barangay chief of Panadtaran, also echoed the statement of his wife and said that the arrest was “illegal.”

“Wa man na gatago-tago si Kap. (Enad) pero murag gi-treat siya nga usa ka kriminal, gi-handcuff. It’s an illegal arrest, an abuse of power to those nga nagsugo sa mga apprehending officer,” Nonoy said.

Meanwhile, for his part Insp. Crisanto Aballea, acting San Fernando Police chief, said there was nothing illegal about the arrest. 

“The warrant was issued on May 2 pero Friday na namo nadawat, and May 6 na na-implement. And the release order was issued yesterday, so there’s nothing illegal with the arrest,” he said.

The police chief said they are willing to face the charges that Enad and his men would file against them.  (FREEMAN)