Raps filed vs. barangay officials, others over Tondo street boxing

Charges have been filed against three barangay officials and other individuals who were involved in the illegal street boxing in Gagalangin, Tondo that went viral on social media.

According to Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras,” the Manila Police District (MPD) said Barangay 182 kagawad Arnel Saens, his son Vincent, and Laurence Bindoy, the spouse of a barangay secretary, are included in those facing charges.

Authorities also filed charges against those in the audience for violating public health protocols.

MPD Director Police Brigadier General Leo Francisco said the 16-year-old boy and 18-year-old boy who were boxing, as well as their parents, were charged with violating City Ordinance 8243.

Authorities also filed charges against barangay 181 and 182 chairmen Pacifico Geronimo and Jaime Lorente, respectively. The barangays cover the area where the boxing occurred.

The MPD said it was impossible for the two chairmen to have been unaware of the illegal activity.

Though Geronimo and the others have yet to release a statement, Lorente denied knowledge of the boxing.

"They can use that as an excuse but with the police investigation and our filing a case, they can explain themselves at court," Francisco said in a mix of Filipino and English. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News