Brgy chairman punches brother

BAYBAY CITY, Philippines – A barangay chairman of this city was the subject of a complaint filed by his brother over the weekend, according to the blotter of the City Police.

Barangay Hilapnitan Chairman Sisinio Cerna Veloso, as stated in police blotter no. 429 dated January 6, allegedly approached his elder brother Jose, who was standing nearby, pointed a finger and railed at the latter by saying “Ikaw diay nag-guide dinhi sa pangilad ni Malot (So you are the one guiding the deception of Malot here).”

Malot refers to Marilou Galenzoga who is an opposition mayoralty candidate against re-electionist Mayor Carmen Cari, who has been known to be supported by the barangay official. Jose, for his part, has been known to be supporting the opposition.

The blotter also stated that Sisinio then punched and hit Jose in the right eye. A report from a reliable source confirmed that Jose is now preparing medical and other pertinent records in preparation for the filing of a case of physical injury against Sisinio.

Sisinio, for his part, filed at the police his counter blotter no. 431 on the same day, contesting the allegation of Jose. He alleged that Jose was the one who threw the first blow but that he was able to evade the attack and aggression, prompting him to defend by punching back at Jose.

Sisinio further claimed in the blotter that, when the incident happened, Jose was with the armed bodyguards of Malot.

The incident was triggered when the water supply lines—leading to sitio Tugas in the same barangay where Jose resides—were cut off, allegedly upon orders of Sisinio. (FREEMAN)