Makati to sue 100 fire volunteers for trashing precinct, fire stations

MANILA, Philippines - The city government of Makati is planning to file charges against more than 100 fire volunteers who allegedly stormed its police precinct and fire station on Maundy Thursday.

“While we respect their right to express their sentiments, we will not tolerate destruction of government property and acts of hooliganism,” Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. said in a statement.

A report signed by Senior Police Officer 1 Jem Acosta said several fire volunteers all over Metro Manila trooped to the Makati fire station along Yakal Street to protest the death of businessman and fire volunteer Ronald Infante, who was reportedly mistaken for a robber.

Infante and friend Jimmy Alamanon were killed in an alleged shootout in Barangay Bangkal on April 1. They were accused of attempting to rob a courier van driven by one Strauss Enriquez.

Infante’s widow Mary Rose, sister Rea, and Marcing Sanela led volunteers in discharging water using several fire trucks and creating noise with 15 motorcycles and several private cars. “The group armed with streamers (was) calling out for justice for Ronald Infante who was (killed) in an encounter with personnel of Precinct 3,” the report said.

A dialogue was held between the police and Infante’s family. The group left but proceeded to Precinct 3 along Evangelista Street where they allegedly became “violent,” the report stated.