Manila vice mayor, 5 others released for lack of evidence

Almost 12 hours after they were arrested for "illegal gambling," Manila Vice Mayor Francisco Domagoso (a.k.a. Isko Moreno) and five city councilors were released before dawn Sunday for lack of evidence.

 

Moreno tweeted his thanks to his supporters for their prayers and support shortly after the prosecutor ordered their release.

 

"Finally we were released by Fiscal Cerezo for insufficiency of evidence! Thank sa lahat ng dasal nyo at suporta, patunay na walang mali smin (Finally we were released by Fiscal Cerezo for insufficiency of evidence! Thank you for your prayers and support. It shows we did nothing wrong)," he said on his Twitter account.

 

When a Twitter follower asked him if those who wrongly jailed them would be held accountable, Domagoso hinted at legal action. "Meron soon (There will be soon)," he said.

 

Domagoso also posted on his Twitter account photos of the bruises he sustained at a scuffle during Saturday's "arrest".

 

A separate report by radio dzBB's Roland Bola said the release nullified the charges of illegal gambling lodged by the Manila Police District Station 3 against the six.

 

The report also said Domagoso's supporters rejoiced upon learning of the dismissal of the charges against them.

 

Police had brought the six to City Hall for inquest proceedings before 4 a.m.

 

Supporters of Domagoso had engaged police in a brief shoving match outside City Hall.  

 

A report on Manila Standard Today said those arrested with Domagoso included Councilors Ernesto Isip Jr., Joel Chua, Ma. Asuncion Fugoso, Yul Servo and former councilor Manuel Zarcal.  — ELR, GMA News