2 troopers nabbed in Baclaran clash

Police arrested two Army soldiers who were accused of starting the violence that killed a 14-year-old boy and wounded several others after the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel clashed with residents during a clearing operation in Baclaran, Parañaque City, last Friday morning.

Murder charges will be filed against Private First Class Dennis Abayon who was nabbed with a caliber .45 revolver by Baclaran policemen shortly after the encounter.

Aside from Abayon, police also arrested Army Staff Sgt. Edgardo Mendoza. The two soldiers are now detained at the police headquarters in Baclaran, Parañaque.

Superintendent Ronald Estilles, Parañaque police chief, said the residents of the neraby Muslim community have identified Abayon and Mendoza as the instigators who started the violence.

The clash between the MMDA team that was dismantling a makeshift bridge near the Redemptorist Church, and the Muslim residents resulted in the death of Jamal Ampuan.

Injured were identified as Anoar Abdul Latip, 13; Calid Camama, 27 and; Alex Gapar, 35. They were all brought to the San Juan De Dios Hospital.

Meanwhile, MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group head Roberto Esquivel said the residents attacked the demoliton crew contrary to claims of the residents that they were the ones who started the violence. – Rhodina Villanueva