Some Divisoria brgy officials being investigated for extortion
Published Nov 18, 2019 12:00 am
By Joseph Pedrajas
Several Manila barangay chairpersons and barangay officers are under investigation over alleged extortion of street vendors in Divisoria.
(Jansen Romero / MB FILE PHOTO)
Major Rosalino Ibay Jr., chief of Manila Police Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (SMaRT), disclosed that at least two barangay chairmen and several barangay councilors and watchmen are now being investigated. They are allegedly behind the extortion on vendors on Carmen Planas St.-Ilaya.
The decision to have the barangay officials investigation was based on the complaints lodged by some 39 vendors in letters sent to Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagosa, Ibay said.
In some of the letters, it was bared that a certain Nogi Edgar was tasked by barangay officials to collect money from the vendors
“140 weekly ticket para sa basura,” Ibay said, citing a content of one of the letters.
“P100 kay Edgar,” he added.
Ibay said that the collection was illegal.
The local government only requires vendors to pay P40 each per day, which directly goes to the coffers of the city, he added.
The vendors complained that they were threatened by the barangay officials that they will be “arrested by police” if they fail to shell out the extortion money.
Ten of the 39 vendors have named the barangay officials allegedly behind the extortion activities, Ibay bared.
Meanwhile, other vendors have also sent a letter to Moreno seeking his assistance because they did not want to get involved in the extortion activity.
“ seeking assistance that they want to abide by the rules of the local government, but they were being abused ,” Ibay said in Filipino.
“We will forward to proper agencies. To the Department of Interior of Local Government and to Manila Barangay Board [for further investigation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Moreno also challenged reporters to find a certain Carol Bakulaw in Pampanga who was also allegedly behind the “organizers” getting money from the vendors.
“I have a challenge for you. Find Carol Bakulaw in Pampanga. And look for her house,” Moreno said.
Moreno also stood firm on his decision to clear the streets of Ilaya despite the protest staged by several members of a so-called “Divisoria Vendors’ Association” in front of the Manila City Hall on Monday morning. They were asking Moreno to let them return and ply their trade on the streets.
“Basta nabigyan sila ng pagkakataon, sinayang nila,” he said.
“For the meantime, we’re busy clearing Ilaya,” Moreno added.
(Jansen Romero / MB FILE PHOTO)
Major Rosalino Ibay Jr., chief of Manila Police Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (SMaRT), disclosed that at least two barangay chairmen and several barangay councilors and watchmen are now being investigated. They are allegedly behind the extortion on vendors on Carmen Planas St.-Ilaya.
The decision to have the barangay officials investigation was based on the complaints lodged by some 39 vendors in letters sent to Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagosa, Ibay said.
In some of the letters, it was bared that a certain Nogi Edgar was tasked by barangay officials to collect money from the vendors
“140 weekly ticket para sa basura,” Ibay said, citing a content of one of the letters.
“P100 kay Edgar,” he added.
Ibay said that the collection was illegal.
The local government only requires vendors to pay P40 each per day, which directly goes to the coffers of the city, he added.
The vendors complained that they were threatened by the barangay officials that they will be “arrested by police” if they fail to shell out the extortion money.
Ten of the 39 vendors have named the barangay officials allegedly behind the extortion activities, Ibay bared.
Meanwhile, other vendors have also sent a letter to Moreno seeking his assistance because they did not want to get involved in the extortion activity.
“ seeking assistance that they want to abide by the rules of the local government, but they were being abused ,” Ibay said in Filipino.
“We will forward to proper agencies. To the Department of Interior of Local Government and to Manila Barangay Board [for further investigation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Moreno also challenged reporters to find a certain Carol Bakulaw in Pampanga who was also allegedly behind the “organizers” getting money from the vendors.
“I have a challenge for you. Find Carol Bakulaw in Pampanga. And look for her house,” Moreno said.
Moreno also stood firm on his decision to clear the streets of Ilaya despite the protest staged by several members of a so-called “Divisoria Vendors’ Association” in front of the Manila City Hall on Monday morning. They were asking Moreno to let them return and ply their trade on the streets.
“Basta nabigyan sila ng pagkakataon, sinayang nila,” he said.
“For the meantime, we’re busy clearing Ilaya,” Moreno added.