Governor, cops, rapped over house demolition

MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The Sandiganbayan received April 9 a petition for a writ of amparo and habeas data against Bulacan Gov. Jonjon Mendoza who, together with other local and police officials, allegedly ordered the illegal demolition of a residential compound here last February and the arrest of two men who disputed the move.

Also named in the petition of lawyer Francisco Galman Cruz and Francisco Ternida Cruz Jr. were provincial engineers Emmanuel Bali­canta and Ireneo Mendoza, Malolos City Mayor Danilo Domingo, city administrator Tex Borlo­ngan, city engineers Reden de la Cruz and Ricasol Millan, city police chief Felixberto Castillo, police officers Dioni­sio, Bagtas, Morales, Tria and Punzalan (no first names), and city employees Erting Esguer­ra and Roberto Cruz, among others.

The Cruzes said the timely arrival of mediamen prevented the demolition last Feb. 20,
but the next day, they were arrested.

They said they continue to get “threats” from local officials. – George Trillo