ICPO files charges over Mandurriao street fight

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office has filed charges against several individuals involved in a street fight early Saturday morning, Jan. 31, in Mandurriao district.

Police identified those charged as alias Jan, 23, a food handler and resident of Barangay Poblacion, San Dionisio; alias Philip, 26, a waiter from Barangay Calumpang, Molo; alias JP, 21, a waiter from Barangay Banban, Lambunao, Iloilo; and alias Rey, 18, a student from Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The suspects were immediately apprehended after personnel from Iloilo City Police Station 10 responded to the incident.

Capt. Val Cambel, outgoing chief of Police Station 10, said three unidentified men, listed as “John Does,” were also included in the charge sheet.

The suspects were charged with alarms and scandals under Article 155 of the Revised Penal Code before the Iloilo City Prosecutor’s Office on the same day of their arrest.

Police said that while some of their companions were handcuffed, the three unidentified suspects managed to evade arrest.

Authorities said both parties expressed willingness to settle the matter amicably, but the ICPO clarified that such settlement does not absolve criminal liability, particularly in cases involving disturbance of public order.

Col. Wilbert Parilla, ICPO officer in charge, said the filing of charges should serve as a lesson on the importance of accountability.

He added that disorderly conduct will not be tolerated despite attempts at amicable settlement.

“The Iloilo City Police Office will not tolerate acts that create disturbance and threaten public peace. Even if the parties opt for an amicable settlement, the Philippine National Police will still perform its duty and file appropriate cases,” Parilla said.

Parilla said the ICPO remains committed to maintaining a peaceful and orderly community.

Police said seven individuals were caught on camera engaging in a street fracas at about 5:30 a.m. along Jalandoni Street, Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao.

They were seen trading punches despite warnings from nearby residents, authorities added.