Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has ordered an impartial investigation into a commotion that took place at Purok Lampirong, Brgy 2, Bacolod City, on Friday while demolition work was underway.
An impartial investigation will be conducted by the City Legal Office to determine what really happened and we will act accordingly, Benitez said at a press conference on Tuesday, August 1.
He stressed the need for government employees to exercise maximum tolerance, which means not using force.
The clearing of illegal structures along the waterway at Lampirong was required by the Department of Public Works and Highways as part of its flood control measures, he said.
He said once the Yuhum Village housing units are up by October informal settlers could be relocated there, he said.
Charges for light threats and resistance and serious disobedience upon an agent of a person in authority have been filed against a Bacolod resident involved in the commotion at Purok Lampirong, City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. said on Monday.
The commotion broke out after a water pump in the area was hit by a backhoe angering residents.
Prosecution Attorney Bina Danica Bumanglag of the Bacolod City Prosecution Office in an inquest resolution recommended that charges be filed against Junjun Zamora Meniao, 31, in court.
The complaint against Meniao was filed by Rey Demisana, City Legal Office enforcement team head.
Demisana, in a police blotter report, said while they were demolishing illegal structures in Purok Lampirong, Meniao attempted to attack him while holding two stones in his hands.
Fortunately he was subdued by other members of the CLO enforcement team, Demisana said.
Meniao said that he was injured by the CLO personnel and he is considering filing a counter suit.*