Mauled buko vendor files complaint vs. 3 MMDA personnel

The buko vendor who was caught on video being mauled by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel has already filed a complaint against three enforcers despite being arrested over a separate incident.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Detection and Special Operations Unit (CIDG-DSOU) chief Superintendent Richard Verceles said that Romnick Relos, 29, has filed a case of physical injury and threats against three MMDA personnel on March 12 at the Pasay City Prosecutor's Office.

"Tatlo po 'yung naidentify niya na MMDA personnel, so 'yun po 'yung nafile-an niya ng case," Verceles said.

Romnick suffered a contusion in his right eye due to the beating he received from the members of the MMDA sidewalk clearing operations team who have already been placed under preventive suspension.

Romnick, who was arrested along with his two brothers identified as Roy, 32, and Dondon, 34, are still under the custody of the CIDG.

They will, however, be transferred to Aroroy, Masbate for a 2007 murder case, but Verceles could not disclose when as he cited the "security situation" in the area.

"The procedure is we'll be returning him to the court concerned but we are not still sure kung kailan po, kino-consider po natin 'yung security situations, anytime po mata-transport po siya," Verceles said.

"Hindi lang namin ma-divulge 'yung exact date [ng] pag-transport po sa kanya, we're taking into consideration 'yung situation din don sa Masbate, alam naman po natin 'yung peace and order situation doon sa Masbate so we'll just leave it up 'yung date," Verceles said.

The Relos brothers who are all working as buko vendors were nabbed last March 6 for supposedly being involved in the killing of Junie Olete on March 25, 2007 in Aroroy, Masbate.

The three suspects were said to have forcibly entered the house of Olete and hacked the victim. — RSJ, GMA News