Ombudsman to get sheriff's side on punching incident

MANILA, Philippines -  Investigators of the Office of the Ombudsman will ask court sheriff Abe Andres to execute an affidavit and give his version of the punching incident involving Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Members of the special panel formed by Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao Humphrey Monteroso are expected to talk with Andres within the week.

Duterte was caught on national television repeatedly punching Andres during a demolition of informal settlers’ shanties in Davao City last July 1.

Sources told The Star investigators would seek an audience with Andres on Friday along with other witnesses including two police officers who were also named respondents to the case.

Investigators said the testimony of Andres is important in view of the direct assault case lodged by the Sheriffs Confederation of the Philippines (SCOPHIL), even though the sheriff refused to file charges against Duterte.

The Office of the Ombudsman is handling the criminal complaint against the local chief executive while the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is handling the administrative aspect.

The DILG earlier said there is basis to file a misconduct case against Duterte.