Pasay village chief faces raps for beating 2 drivers

MANILA, Philippines -  A Pasay City barangay chairman who allegedly beat up two drivers and fired his .45 caliber pistol several times at an FX taxi terminal Monday faces a string of criminal charges before the city prosecutor’s office, police said yesterday.

Police Officer 3 Rodolfo Soquina said Barangay 46 chief Nestor Advincula was subjected to inquest proceedings on charges of illegal possession of firearms, alarm and scandal, grave threats and physical injuries.

At least two officials of an FX taxi drivers’ association and a female dispatcher filed complaints against Advincula. The incident is reportedly an offshoot of a feud between two drivers’ groups over control of the terminal.

Orlando Andres, Rodel Viray and Mila Nicart alleged that Advincula, accompanied by several tanods, confronted them at the Buendia FX terminal and without any provocation threatened them with a gun.

Andres alleged Advincula grabbed his collar as his companion took turns beating him. Viray was reportedly attacked earlier.

Nicart accused Advincula of firing several shots into the air “to threaten us.”

Police officers found that Advincula’s permit to carry a gun outside of his residence has expired. Advincula refused to be interviewed, saying the case against him has already been settled.

The complainants, however, vowed to pursue the criminal charges in court.