CEBU CITY – The barangay chairperson and seven of his councilors in Barangay Tubod, Barili town, southern Cebu were arrested on Wednesday morning for their alleged involvement in the anomalous distribution of Special Amelioration Program (SAP) funds.
Detained were Chairperson Aurelio Mabano, and his councilors Mercy Camonas, Romulo Omalay, Baleriano Mabano, Roy Tangarorang, Loreto Ejambre, Arthur Aranda, and Carlo Emnacen.
Also arrested were barangay health workers Victoria Talara, Maricar Escabillas, Mary Jane Elizar, Modesta Mambinuyao, Ludy Tanudra, and Ruchina Panugaling.
The 18 barangay officials and workers were charged with violation of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The arrest warrants, issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Anabelle Robles of Branch 60, were served by Barili Police Chief Capt. Romeo Caacoy Jr. along with Barili Mayor Julieto Flores.
The court recommended P90,000 bail for each of the accused.
Police Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, chief of the Police Regional Office Central Visayas, said they were awaiting the issuance of arrest warrants against other government officials, who were charged with the anomalous distribution of SAP.
“We were tasked by the President to investigate. We filed cases and once arrest warrants are out, we will immediately implement arrest,” said Ferro.