Barangay exec files assault raps against VM supporters

A BARANGAY captain in Sogod town will file charges of direct assault against supporters of Sogod Vice Mayor Nicasio “Nick” Bacayo after he was beaten up during a rally inside the barangay gym last Saturday afternoon.

Tabunok barangay captain Crisfin Reteza Jr. said he didn’t approve of the use of the gym by Bacayo and his supporters.

Reteza said he and his wife came from Danao City and only learned later that Bacayo’s camp held a rally there.

Reteza said he approached Bacayo who was then talking on stage and asked that he be allowed to tell the people to leave because he didn’t approve of the use of the gym for their campaign rally.

Vice Mayor Bacayo said Reteza was drunk when he grabbed the microphone from him.

Bacayo quoted Reteza as allegedly shouting out “Wa’y magbuot nako nga kapitan ko. Pamusilon ta mo ron (Don’t dictate on me, I’m a barangay captain. I will shoot you).”

Bacayo said some of those in attendance called his attention.

Reteza said two supporters of Bacayo whom he identified as Gerry Brigoli and Bruce Branzuela hit him on his back. Reteza denied taking the microphone away from Bacayo.

“Mayor Monyeen Durano even asked me to hold a rally in the barangay gym but I refused because it had yet to be inaugurated,” he said.

The Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) based in Sogod town were sent yesterday to the barangay.

Reteza and Bacayo were brought to the police precinct after the commotion and had the incident blottered. But Bacayo said he was dismayed that he was unable to talk to Reteza.

He said the barangay official was escorted by police afterwards. Bacayo said he will also file criminal and administrative charges against Reteza. Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus