'Alabang Boys' fiscal faces raps over parking row

MANILA, Philippines –  A state prosecutor, who once figured in a bribery controversy in the case of three high-profile drug suspects, is now the subject of a complaint of a motorist he allegedly threatened with a gun and whose car he shot up during a parking dispute.

State Prosecutor John Resado allegedly shot his .9 mm handgun at the sedan of complainant Carlo Lim, 25, who suffered shrapnel wounds in his right leg.

Superintendent Audie Madrideo, commander of the Quezon City Police District-Station 2, said Lim is determined to file charges of malicious mischief, grave threats and slight physical injuries against the fiscal.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima ordered an investigation into the shooting, and Prosecutor General Claro Arellano designated Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Severino Gana Jr. to head the probe and report as soon as possible.

Resado was accused two years ago of accepting a bribe after he dismissed drug charges filed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency against three drug suspects collectively known as the “Alabang Boys.”

Madrideo said the incident happened at past 10 p.m. Thursday as Resado arrived at his rented house along Ilagan street in Barangay Paltok. He saw Lim’s Honda City parked in front of the house and blocking his driveway.

Lim was visiting his girlfriend, Kathleen Bautista, a daughter of Resado’s landlady. He told police that Resado appeared to be drunk at the time.

Lim said he moved his car, but told Resado that the Bautista family allowed him to park there. Resado allegedly drew his gun and shot at the passenger side of Lim’s car twice, based on the shells found at the scene.

Lim claimed Resado came closer and threatened him with the words, “O, ano (So what)?” Resado reportedly then left the area, Madrideo said.

– Reinir Padua, Sandy Araneta