A barangay chairman and three others were arrested on Thursday (Aug. 26) for allegedly stealing Social Amelioration Program (SAP) funds in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Police identified the suspects as Mario F. Simbulan, 73, Barangay 608 chairman; Ma. Cristina D. Zara, 53, barangay councilor; Isagani B. Darilay, 42 and John Mark T. Nagera, 24.
Police said prior to the arrest, victims Jerson B. Ceniza, 30; and Renerio D. Salabo filed a complaint against the suspects for allegedly stealing their SAP aid or “ayuda” amounting to P8,000.
Recovered from Darilay and Nagera were two identification cards bearing the names of the victims issued by Simbulan.
The suspects will be charged with malversation of public funds and falsification of documents, according to Manila Police District (MPD) Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (SMaRT).