Iloilo police charge four after viral Mandurriao commotion

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City Police Office filed criminal complaints against four individuals involved in a commotion along Donato Pison Avenue in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao, on July 25.

Police Col. Wilbert Parilla, ICPO director, said complaints for alarms and scandals under Article 155 of the Revised Penal Code were filed before the Iloilo City Prosecutor’s Office.

Article 155 covers acts such as actively participating in a disorderly meeting that is offensive to another person or prejudicial to public tranquility, and carries a penalty of arresto menor or a fine of up to PHP 40,000.

Police identified the suspects only by the aliases Drew, a member of a local riders’ group; Bali, 27, and Hans, 25, members of another riders’ group and residents of Barangay Tabuc Suba in Jaro, Iloilo City; and Jay.

“I hope this will serve as a lesson to them and to others who intend to disputed the peace in Iloilo City,” Parilla said.

Police said the incident occurred at about 3:55 a.m. July 25 in front of District 21 Hotel.

The four suspects were allegedly involved in a commotion with three 17-year-old students identified by the aliases Sen, Gelo, and Rod, all residents of Barangay So-oc in Arevalo, Iloilo City.

Responding officers immediately went to the area after receiving a report, but the commotion had already subsided when they arrived.

A follow-up investigation, a review of closed-circuit television footage, witness accounts, and an examination of a viral Facebook video helped investigators identify those involved.

The minors were referred to the Women and Children Protection Desk and the City Social Welfare and Development Office for appropriate intervention programs.

Police said efforts were continuing to identify and locate other individuals believed to have been involved.

Parilla stressed that irresponsible behavior carries legal consequences, regardless of a person’s intention.

“Irresponsible behavior, for whatever purpose, has corresponding consequences. Iloilo City is the City of Love, and we will not tolerate acts that disrupt public order and undermine the peace and safety of our community,” Parilla said.

The ICPO encouraged the public, particularly young people and members of various organizations, to exercise discipline, respect the law, and help preserve Iloilo City’s peaceful and orderly environment.