Barangay captain faces raps for “homicide try”

CEBU, Philippines - The barangay captain of Cagcagan, Poro town, Cebu, is now facing charges before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly hitting his constituent using his motorcycle.

The complaint was first filed before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas but later transferred before the Prosecutor’s Office.

Graft investigation and prosecution officer Antonio Yap said it was more appropriate for the Prosecutor’s Office to conduct the preliminary investigation into the complaint filed against Samuel Hilongos for attempted homicide/slight physical injuries/grave threats.

“It is the recent policy of the Office of the Ombudsman to give priority to graft cases. Thus, for cases involving offenses that do not constitute graft and corrupt practices as in this case, were deemed it proper to refer the same to the Department of Justice,” the evaluation report read.

The complaint was filed by Prescillano Martinez. He alleged on March 25, 2012, upon reaching home from the market, he saw a group of men working and cementing the road beside his house.

He asked the workers who mandated them and replied it was the respondent.

He said he asked the workers why the respondent did not tell him about it, the latter did not give any comment.

Minutes later, he said the respondent arrived and asked him why he berated his workers which he denied.

“Wala man Kap, nihangyo lang ko nga pagamyan ug gamay ang gisemento kay dako ra,” he said.

He said the respondent threatened to kill him.

Aside from that, he said the respondent hit him and his granddaughter and using his motorcycle, after which he reported the incident to the Poro Police Station. —/BRP (FREEMAN)