A criminal case against officials of Barangay Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City was dismissed.

The City Prosecutor's Office in Lapu-Lapu has dismissed a criminal case filed on June 20, 2024 against officials of Punta Engaño in relation to ship breaking operations in the said barangay in January 2024.

The case cited of alleged violations to Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Case dismissal is based on a verified motion to dismiss pushed by the barangay officials.

As for administrative cases against the barangay officials, the City Council of Lapu-Lapu has referred the three cases to the Visayas Ombudsman.

A pre-trial conference was set on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the Sangguniang Panglungsod but was moved to October 31, 2024 as the City Council is yet to receive a pre-trial brief from the complainant.

A mediation at the City Council between the barangay officials and the former barangay administrator, who stands as complainant, is set on October 17, 2024.

Earlier, the City Council has denied a petition of the complainant to place under suspension the concerned barangay officials while administrative cases are being resolved.