Isko goes to barangay hall in Caloocan in search of ‘cockfighting’ execs
MANILA, Philippines — A visibly angry Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Saturday personally paid a visit to Barangay 129 in neighboring Caloocan City in search of its barangay chairman and other officials who are wanted for alleged illegal cockfighting activities done at the Manila North Cemetery on Good Friday, and even while the enhanced community quarantine is in place.
Escorted by police and some men, Moreno’s vehicle stopped in front of the barangay hall to appeal for suspects Barangay chairman Brix John Reyes, Councilors Romualdo Reyes, John Cris Domingo and a certain alyas Kabron of Barangay 131 to surrender before the Manila Police District.
“Kung meron kayong impormasyon sa inyong chairman, or kamag anak nyo si chairman… sabihan nyo na sila na kusang loob na magpaliwanag sa pamahalaang lungsod ng Maynila,” Moreno told barangay residents via megaphone, a video of which was posted in his Facebook page.
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Moreno gave the barangay officials 48 hours to show up and surrender.
“Wala kayong patawad maski Semana Santa, Biyernes Santo. Aaraw-arawin ko kayo, mga halal kayo ng bayan, para kayong hangal,” he told the barangay officials, who did not come out during the visit.
Article continues after this advertisementMoreno also said that if the suspects would not surrender, they will be treated as “regular criminals.”
Article continues after this advertisementIn a report from Manila Police District Special Mayor’s Reaction Team, the barangay officials evaded arrest during a joint operation at the cemetery on Good Friday.
Only Christopher Fernandez, 43, and Ronnie Ignacio, 31, who were caught in the act of cockfighting with the barangay officials were arrested.
Aside from Moreno, Caloocan mayor Oscar Malapitan likewise urged the barangay officials to yield to authorities.
In a Facebook post, Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan said if the barangay officials fail to surrender, he will order the police to conduct a manhunt operation against them.
“Kung hindi kusang susuko sa pulisya, sinabi ni Mayor Oca na ipag-uutos niya ang manhunt laban sa mga opisyal,” he said.
(If they will not surrender to police, Mayor Oca will order a manhunt against the officials.)
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