Jail guard turns jailbird in Malabon

MANILA, Philippines - A jail guard found himself behind bars after police arrested him for allegedly making trouble in his neighborhood in Malabon City yesterday.

Inspector Gregorio Catacutan said three of his neighbors in Gozon Complex on Letre Road filed charges against Senior Jail Officer 1 Oliver Mato of the Caloocan City Jail.

Mato was brought to the police station at around 3:25 a.m. by Tonsuya village watchmen after tricycle driver Conrado Tabana, 34, complained Mato beat him up.

Tabana and Mato, later agreed to settle their feud amicably. Mato was then released by the police after Tabana said he would no longer press charges against the suspect.

A few hours later, fish vendor Nestor Cabas, 38, showed up at the police station, saying he wanted Mato charged for trespassing and for malicious mischief.

It was not long before Zaldy Tabigue, 32, a heavy equipment mechanic, also appeared at the station. He complained that Mato allegedly beat him up and threatened him.

Catacutan said appropriate charges will be filed against Mato shortly. – Jerry Botial