The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed not one, but two criminal charges against Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco Barzaga—the first was in relation to the Sept. 21 riot in Manila and the other one was the Forbes Park Village in Makati City.

For the Sept. 21 clashes between protesters and policemen in Manila, CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert AA Morico II said Barzaga was actually among the 97 personalities who were included in the charge sheet due to their alleged link to the violent incident that left nearly 100 policemen injured.

The charges include violation of the Article 136 of the Revised Penal Code relating to inciting to rebellion, and, violation of Article 142 of the same Code relating to inciting to sedition.

While Barzaga was not present during the Manila violent clashes, Morico said there were people behind the riot based on the investigation they conducted.

“This is the reason why we are investigating. For every crime there is a story behind the story,” said Morico when asked if Barzaga was included in the charge sheet when he was not present during the violent clashes.

“There are also people behind it and it is the mandate of the CIDG to look into not only those that are present in the area but also those who are behind these incidents,” he emphasized.

Morico’s statement was in reaction to the Facebook post of Barzaga showing a copy of the subpoena. He also questioned the CIDG for filing the criminal charges against him.

And in response, Morico said the reason why they filed the case was that there were police who were injured as a result of the violent attacks initiated against anti-riot cops in Manila.

“Let me just emphasize that this is nothing personal. There was a crime committed, it is a violent one and there are police officers that were injured. There were government properties that were destroyed in the City of Manila. It is being paid by the taxes of the people so that is the reason why we filed the cases,” said Morico.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno was also furious over the Sept. 21 protest action for the properties that were damaged in Manila, including signages and traffic lights.

One more

Morico said another case was actually filed against Barzaga in relation to the Forbes Park Village in Makati City, a protest action which the legislator allegedly initiated through his social media posts.

Barzaga, who positions himself as an anti-corruption advocate, claimed that the stolen funds from flood control were hidden inside the posh Makati City village.

The supposed big protest in front of Forbes Park, however, fizzled out and some netizens observed that it triggered infighting among anti-Marcos personalities.

Morico confirmed the second case, “Yes but I will not comment on that as yet because we do not want to preempt the preliminary investigation being conducted by the (National) Prosecution Service.”