Prosecutor junks illegal detention raps vs. Taguig execs

The Office of the City Prosecutor of Taguig has dismissed the complaints for illegal detention and grave coercion against Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano and several other city officials.

In a 14-page resolution released last August 2, the prosecutor found the evidence insufficient and dismissed the complaints against Cayetano, City Administrator Jose Luis Montales, Business Permits and Licensing Office Head Maria Theresa Veloso, Traffic Management Office Head Danny Cañaveral, and several unidentified individuals.

The complaints, filed by Salvador C. Palisa, Ryalyn B. Almazar, Joven P. Mediavillo, and Salvador G. Mercado who are all employees of the Makati City Government, were related to incidents that occurred between March 1 and 3, 2024, involving the closure of the Makati Park and Garden and the Makati Aqua Sports Arena (MASA) for lack of government permits. 

The complainants alleged that officials and personnel from Taguig City unlawfully detained them inside the park and prevented them from entering and leaving the premises.

Upon review, the Office of the City Prosecutor found that the allegations of the complainants did not prove the existence of the crimes charged and the evidence they submitted were simply inadequate. —Sherylin Untalan/NB, GMA Integrated News