Gica, 4 others face criminal, admin raps

CEBU, Philippines — Dumanjug Mayor Guntrano "Gungun" Gica and four others are facing string of criminal and administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas for allegedly harassing a supporter of his political opponent in the last elections.

Hector Rabor Quirante, resident of Barangay Ilaya, Dumanjug town, accused the incumbent mayor of serious physical injury, serious illegal detention, grave coercion, planting of evidence, and violation of the Comelec gun ban.

Councilor Erwin “Wado” Gica, Raymond Lanojan, Darwin Castro, and Gino Do were also named respondents.

"It is most respectfully prayed that this complaint be given due course and that a corresponding information be filed with the proper court after the usual investigation," reads the complaint.

Quirante said he was hired to transport food, supplies, and personnel of defeated mayoralty candidate Cesar Baricuatro. On May 11, he drove Leah Asentista, a supporter of Baricuatro, to Barangay Katangkas, Dumanjug. On his way home, Quirante said the suspects blocked his vehicle and pointed a gun at him.

He identified Erwin as the one who pointed a gun at him and dragged him to the campaign headquarters of Gica where he was physically abused.

He was later brought to the Dumanjug Police Station because of alleged illegal possession of firearm. Quirante denied having in possession of a gun and claimed that the firearm supposedly seized from him was planted.

Erwin filed a case for illegal possession of firearm, violation of the Comelec gun ban and attempted murder before the Prosecutor's Office against Quirante on May 14. — FPL (FREEMAN)