JVR cries foul over arson charges

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes slammed City Police Chief Superintendent Reycel Carmelo Dayon for allegedly using “fabricated evidence” in filing an arson case against him.

An emotional De los Reyes spoke before reporters yesterday to belie reports tagging him responsible for the fire that destroyed an impounded truck within the vicinity of the city police station.

"Nakaako siya og tumo-tumo sa mayor, unsa nalang gyud kaha sa ubang tawo nga iyang matumo-tumoan. Why will I do such low-level act that would easily be seen by the public?" De los Reyes said.

City Fire Marshal Senior Superintendent Randy Mendaros said they are looking at all possible angles in their investigation.

Mendaros, who was present at yesterday’s press conference, said they were still trying to consolidate all reports, especially that there was a minor involved in the incident.

"We're not concluding yet right now, but we are looking at all possible angles — accidental or arson," Mendaros said.

Based on the initial findings of the fire department, a group of children was allegedly playing in the vehicle before the fire broke out. The children were reportedly shoved away by De los Reyes.

Few minutes after De los Reyes left the place, the truck was already on fire.

Asked whether it was appropriate for the police to file arson case, Mendaros said that it would be best that the fire department take the lead in the filing.

"The proper way to file a case on arson, dapat ang BFP ang mo-file but again, wala sab ko nakakita nga nag-prohibit sa police to file," Mendaros said.

At the time of the incident, the mayor was said to be in Barangay Poblacion for the Women's Month celebration.

The truck bearing plate number JEX 607 and is owned by Mariel Nebria of Barangay Lagtang was impounded by the police after it was caught hauling sand and gravel without permit.

Dayon then filed the case based on the testimonies of witnesses who identified De los Reyes as the perpetrator.

Because of accusation against the mayor, De los Reyes confirmed that he wrote to Cebu Provincial Police Office director Noel Gillamac to remove Dayon from his post.

"I lost my trust and confidence in him. Lisod kaayo nga makig-uban ta og tawo nga mawagtangan ta og pagsalig. Dugay na unta nga gipangayo sa (police) region nga ipatangtang siya pero ako lang gipugngan kay bag-ohay pa ta nakahatag niya og award," De los Reyes said.

In a separate interview with the reporters, Dayon said he will accept any order for him.

"Ako, magpaabot lang ko sa order. I will follow the order," Dayon said.

Dayon earlier said the case was filed based on the testimony of a trisikad driver named Edwin Manalo who initially said he saw the mayor at the fire scene and set the fire himself.

However, Manalo has since retracted these statements, saying he issued the affidavit out of fear of the police who reportedly came over to their house, looking for him. (FREEMAN)