MMDA enforcers commit blunder

"Sorry, we thought they were one of them."

This was the excuse given by two operatives of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) after they were arrested yesterday for allegedly beating up a 66-year-old businessman and his three sons, whom they thought were illegal vendors in Baclaran, Parañaque City.

Arrested were Jessie Pablico, 23, and Reynaldo Abenoja, 19, who allegedly beat up Rodolfo Morada, Sr. and sons, Rodolfo, Jr., 31; Alfredo, 33, and Angelito, 27, at around 8:30 a.m. in front of their house in Dimasalang street.

Police said Pablico and Abenoja were conducting sidewalk-clearing operations in the area with 40 other MMDA personnel. They later chased illegal vendors who scampered with their goods.

Prober SPO1 Argel Guanizo said some of the vendors entered the house of Morada to elude apprehension. But when the suspects followed the vendors inside the house, Morada confronted and questioned them.

"A misunderstanding ensued and later MMDA personnel allegedly hit the old man with the sticks," he said. "They thought Morada was one of the vendors."

Guanizo said Morada’s sons came to his rescue, but more MMDA men responded and hit them as well. Morada sustained injuries in the head while his sons suffered bruises in different parts of the body.

Operatives from the Baclaran police precinct responded and arrested Pablico and Abejona. – Edu Punay