5 North San Juan residents face direct assault charges

POLICE filed complaints before the City Prosecution Office (CPO) against five of six residents of North San Juan in Agdao, Davao City, after they allegedly interfered with the authorities during the implementation of the writ of demolition.

Sta. Ana police filed a direct assault complaint against Vicente Rosalada, 36; Kim Pulido, 35; Darwin Vallente, 29; Primo Lopez, 65; and a 16-year-old boy for throwing stones and bottles and possessing Molotov bombs during the demolition on Wednesday.

The Women and Children's Desk of Sta. Ana police dropped the complaint against the 13-year-old boy, who was also nabbed on Wednesday.

The exemption of any 15-year-old child and below from criminal liability is stated under Section 6 (Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility) of Republic Act 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Law).

However, the law stated that the child shall be subjected to an intervention program. The five were brought for inquest procedure Thursday morning.

The respondents expressed their sentiments against authorities for alleged illegal arrest.

They admitted throwing of stones and bottles but denied the possession of Molotov bombs.

"Naipit na gyud ko ato sa higayon ba so nilabay ko ug (I was very down that time so I threw) three to four bottles but no intention of assault, wala pa gud mi ka-prepare sa among mga gamit ato (we have not yet prepared our things)," Pulido said.

Pulido's residence is the first house located near the barricade that was put up by the alleged members of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

"Pait kayo ba kay nawad-an na gain mi ug balay, gidakop pa gyud mi (Very depressing because we lost our houses and we nabbed at the same time)," Pulido added.

He said he worries about his 65-year-old mother who was left alone outside their house when he was arrested.

Lopez, on the other hand, claimed he was shocked when three police officers accosted him for throwing stones.

He said he was allegedly punched on the head by one of the three men in uniform.

However, the five said they never joined the team composing of the alleged presence of the MNLF in their village.

The respondents' houses were among the 35 illegal settlements that were demolished on Wednesday following a court order in favor of the plaintiff -- Davao Resources Corporation.

Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Sheriff Edgardo Hofileña earlier said the negotiation in the area lasted for an hour before the demolition started around 10 a.m.

Despite the brief commotion, Agdao Centro village chief Rene Estorpe said he is happy that no one was hurt during the demolition.

He said he already tasked some of his barangay personnel to assist the residents in their medical and transportation needs.

The City Social Services and Development Office also provided financial assistance to the affected residents.

In a local TV news report, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who arrived in the area, said she is glad that no one died in the incident.