Nerez warns: Joavan is not "untouchable"

CEBU, Philippines - “He should not have considered himself untouchable. Dili siya exempted sa balaud.”

This was the warning issued by Provincial Police Director Lani-O Nerez to Joavan Fernandez, the controversial son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, who once again figured in a controversy when he threatened a security guard of Indiana condotel where he was celebrating his 26th birthday the other night.

“He better start disciplining himself kay kung sige siya og in-ana, dili jud siya namo lung-an,” Nerez said, adding, that Fernandez should learn to respect the PNP and even civilians.

Nerez said Fernandez may choose to file a case against members of the Special Weapons and Tactics who responded to the alarm at Indiana condotel at IAU Tower, but emphasized the SWAT was merely doing its job.

“Mas kuyaw pa man gani og wala miresponde ang mga SWAT. Basta lang naay request, bisan kinsa, amo jud nang respondehan,” Nerez added.

SWAT members proceeded to IAU after the management was forced to seek for help when Joavan, after denied entry into one of the condominium units, reportedly made a call through his mobile phone, which, the security guard said, hinted a call for “backup” with an “armalite.”

The security guard, Dennis Tuñacao, did not allow Fernandez and his companions to go up the Daffodil condominium at the fifth floor of IAU where he was supposed to celebrate his birthday because the owner of the unit reportedly has not given prior permission.

PO3 Arthur Sabang, a member of SWAT, said no firearm was found from Fernandez upon frisking, which made them decide to leave him and his companions.

Based on the building’s logbook, Fernandez was with Aya Cuenca, Renan Delo, Jefferson Sy and Benedict Gabasa.

It can be recalled that Gabasa was among those tagged in mauling two vulcanizing shop workers in barangay Tabunok, Talisay City on August 29.

Meanwhile, in an interview with dyAB, Mayor Fernandez yesterday admitted that the Toyota Revo with plate number SFR 595 used to transport the food to IAU for Fernandez’ birthday was his service vehicle issued by the government.

Joan Vebar of the Talisay City General Services Office also confirmed the information in an interview with GMA 7’s Balitang Bisdak.

The incident the other night was not the first time the mayor has allowed his son to use government vehicles. Fernandez was seen several times in the past driving the city’s ambulance to barangay Tanke and other areas of the city. He was also seen using the city’s speedboat off the city’s waters. 

Despite a presidential order disallowing the use of government vehicles for unofficial business, the mayor was never questioned about the incidents.

Fernandez has had a series of brushes with the law. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc and Liv G. Campo/JMO    (FREEMAN NEWS)