Joavan Fernandez, the adopted son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, was again apprehended by police in Cebu City then released two hours later after paying a traffic fine of P2,000.
He was first stopped on the road on board his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) after police responded to a report about an alleged gun-poking incident at the North Reclamation Area.
The initial report said the perpetrator was riding a red Mitsubishi Big Horn with a license plate labeled “MAYOR”.
But no gun was found in the car and no complainant came forward to give details about any gun toting.
Joavan was instead cited for failing to present the car’s certificate of registration and special permit to use a commemorative plate.
Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Chief Insp. George Ylanan of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) responded to the alarm.
They stopped the SUV at the corner of B. Rodriguez Street and V. Rama Avenue in Cebu City.
Joavan, who was wearing black sunglasses, denied poking a gun near White Gold Club in barangay Carreta, Cebu City.
“I stopped because the traffic light was red. I was surprised when police blocked me,” Joavan told Cebu Daily News in Cebuano. He said he had just dropped off his friend Doreen Isidro in sitio Negative, barangay Carreta, and was on his way to the Talisay City police station to meet the Talisay City police chief when he was apprehended.
“This is crazy. Someone is making fun at me,” he said.
Chief Insp. George Ylanan said police responded to a call from a concerned citizen who said the driver of a red SUV was involved in a gun-toting incident at the NRA.
Joavan and his SUV were brought to the police station and held for traffic violations.
Joavan said there was nothing wrong driving around with a license plate labeled “MAYOR” because it was his “personal” vehicle.
Joavan was released two hours later after he paid a P2,000 penalty for the traffic violations.
About a week ago, Cebu City police arrested Joavan and detained him for a day.
Joavan was processing his bail for his cases of malicious mischief and direct assault in the Palace of Justice when he was apprehended.
Police said that Joavan was arrested because he didn’t follow the proper process of availing of bail.