DPWH engineer charged for mauling neighbor

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has charged an engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH)-7 and three others before the court for allegedly helping with each other in assaulting their 56-year-old neighbor.

Prosecutor III Mario Ley Gidayawan held Felix Cañete, 53; Rico Wagas, 50; Dane Wagas Cañete, 24; and a 16-year old girl, all residents of Sitio Plaza Housing, Barangay Busay, Cebu City, for trial of slight physical injuries.

“Based on the affidavit and the supporting documents submitted, there is sufficient ground to indict the respondents for slight physical injuries which is covered by the Rules on Summary Procedure, preliminary investigation is not a matter of right,” read the disposition.

In his sworn-statement, Renan Wagas, a resident of Sitio Plaza Housing, alleged while he and his wife were about to go to Compostela on September 2, 2018 on board his motorcycle, his brother-in-law Felix suddenly attacked and punched him.

Rico, who is his brother, disembarked from his vehicle and ganged up on him.

Renan said his nieces Dane and a 16-year old allegedly joined and mauled him.

Renan’s wife, Maria Vivian, 50, corroborated the statement of her husband.

She said the accused were conniving with each other and allegedly beat her husband.

Since one of the accused is a minor and charged of slight physical injuries which is punishable by imprisonment of not more than 4 years and 2 months, the Information may be filed with the Family Court, according to Gidayawan, without conducting a preliminary investigation. (FREEMAN)