Lim orders cops to deal with toughie, family in Sta. Ana

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim scolded Sta. Ana police station commander Superintendent Ricardo Layug for allegedly failing to address complaints against an alleged neighborhood toughie and his family.

Residents of Barangay 784, Zone 86, accompanied by Councilor Josie Siscar and chairwoman Francisca Anones, went to Lim’s office to file complaints against Reynaldo Roque, who has reportedly been “lording it over their neighbors for a long time, creating havoc and fear among the peace-loving residents there.”

Residents said they have filed complaints with the police, who have yet to act on them. Lim called on Layug to explain, asking him, “What are you commander for?”

Layug vowed in front of the residents that he will act on their complaint.

According to the residents, Roque carries a homemade gun and invites youngsters to join him to create chaos in the neighborhood.

A 77-year-old woman, whose right leg had been amputated due to diabetes and who goes around in a wheelchair, said she sustained a deep wound in the hand when one of Roque’s family members threw a bottle. Lim offered to help with the woman’s medical treatment.

Residents said Roque allegedly challenges everybody to a fight every time he is drunk, which is very often.

In their petition, the residents also enumerated cases registered in the barangay blotter involving Roque and his family members as the alleged aggressors, starting in December 2007 to present. The cases range from slander to robbery, possession of a deadly weapon and physical injuries. – Sandy Araneta