Sheriffs condemn Duterte attack

CEBU, Philippines - The Sheriffs Confederation of the Philippines Cebu City Chapter condemned Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s intervention in the implementation of a demolition order and her physically attack of court sheriff Abe Andres last Friday while he was implementing the order on the illegal settlers in Barangay Soliman, Agdao district, Davao City.

Jessie Belarmino, head of Cebu City sheriffs said they are now seeking the help of the Supreme Court to do something to stop any similar incidents in the future.

Belarmino added that the statement of Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez cannot be praised.

“I think the mayor has already apologized… (as) what I read in the reports, so the apology, I would like to think, tells us that the action wasn’t warranted,” Marquez had said.

“Kinsay malipay ana nga manghinaw nalang sila, nya wa nay modupa,” Belarmino said.

Belarmino said before the implementation of the order of demolition the local government is notified about the said demolition and given 45 days to look for a relocation site in accordance with Republic Act 7279.

However, he said after the lapse of 45 days, sheriffs will give another 15 days before the implementation of the demolition order.

“I think Andres, knows the rule of implementing the order of demolition and what Duterte did by punching Andres in the face several times was condemnable,” Belarmino said.

Belarmino said they will call for a meeting to the officials of the Cebu City sheriffs to tackle the issue of Andres. — (FREEMAN)