Tuesday, August 12, 2008 (Philippines)

Joavan Fernandez (left inset) and gang allegedly punched and kicked the two young workers (above right) on different parts of the body, in a torture session that lasted more than an hour. Victims said they were also struck on the head by Joavan with what they described as a machine pistol. Police saved them from being beaten up to death, they said. (Sun.star photo/Alex Badayos) WEEKS after he threatened to blow up a gas station and collected money from a firewood trader, the adopted son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez figured again in another controversy. This time, Joavan Fernandez allegedly led in attacking two vulcanizing shop laborers outside his residence at Plainville Subdivision, Barangay Tabunok early yesterday dawn. Had the police not arrived on time, Winston, 18, and Osbert, 21, both surnamed Abellana, believed they would have been dead by now. [full story]