Caloocan mayor faces charges over illegal arrests

MANILA, Philippines—The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of criminal charges in the Sandiganbayan against Caloocan Mayor Enrico Echiverri for allegedly arresting the parking attendants of Jadewell Parking Systems Corp.

Acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro found Echiverri liable for the 2004 arrests based on a complaint filed by Jadewell, according to a statement issued by his office. Casimiro ruled that the arrest was unlawful.

The incident took place after Echiverri suspended the on-street pay parking system in Caloocan.

In its complaint, Jadewell said the suspension of the pay parking system, which it managed, was without basis.

It said Echiverri physically blocked its employees from implementing the pay parking system, and arrested them without the benefit of a warrant. The mayor also allegedly confiscated their motorcycles and other equipment before taking them to the mayor’s office.

The Jadewell attendants were also photographed and their pictures published in a newspaper to show their arrest, the company alleged.

Echiverri reportedly suspended the parking deal on the recommendation of the city council.