Marinduque exec suspended for gun-toting

The charges against John Pelaez stemmed from a complaint filed on Dec. 13 by Ronel Ganibo, Jeffrey Masculino and Berwin Rivera. Philstar.com/File Photo

MANILA, Philippines — A member of the Marinduque provincial council has been suspended over an alleged gun-toting incident in Boac town in December.

In a decision issued recently, the Office of the Ombudsman found John Pelaez guilty of abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service.

The suspension was recommended by Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Gerard Mosquera and approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. 

The charges against Pelaez stemmed from a complaint filed on Dec. 13 by Ronel Ganibo, Jeffrey Masculino and Berwin Rivera.

The complainants said Pelaez pointed a gun at them at the Marinduque Food Center on Dec. 4.

They said they were joking and laughing when the respondent, who thought he was the subject of their joke, reportedly poked a gun at them.

The complainants said they apologized, but Pelaez reportedly threatened to kill them.

Pelaez reportedly dragged Ganibo away while pointing a gun at him.

In his counter-affidavit, Pelaez denied the allegations, saying the complainants earlier figured in a quarrel with another group of men.

He said he was trying to compel them to go home to avoid another incident.

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