PNP sues Abra mayor, vice mayor, staff over March 30 standoff

PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. (Photo from the PNP Facebook page)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it filed complaints against the mayor and vice mayor of Pilar town in Abra province, as well as a few of their staff, for the controversial standoff between law enforcers and armed men last month.

PNP Chief General Dionardo Carlos said cases were lodged against Pilar Mayor Maro Somera and Vice Mayor Jaja Josefina Somera Disono, and three employees, including their house helper, over the impasse that happened after armed men evaded a checkpoint and took refuge at the residence of the local officials on March 30.

The police said complaints were filed versus Somera and Disono for violating Republic Act (RA) 9208 as amended by RA 10364 or the “Expanded Trafficking in Persons Act.” Employees Robert Boreta Toreno, 27; Emmanuel Nicanor Valera, 26; and Jericho Toreno Bufil, 29, were sued for Serious Disobedience to an Agent of a Person in Authority, police also said, adding that an attempted murder complaint was likewise filed against Bufil.

READ: PNP: Stand-off ongoing between cops, armed men at Abra town vice mayor’s residence

READ: 12 security aides of Abra town vice mayor surrender after standoff with police

“The cases filed are the product of the evidence and testimonies that our police investigators were able to gather. Those involved individuals will be made to submit themselves to the judicial proceeding,” Carlos said in a statement.

READ: Gunfight, car chase lead cops to Abra exec’s house

The March 30 standoff resulted in the death of one person and the injury of two police officers.

KGA