By JOSEPH PEDRAJAS
At least two Manila barangay chairmen and several barangay councilors and watchmen are under investigation for allegedly extorting money from street vendors in Divisoria, authorities disclosed yesterday.
Police Major Rosalino Ibay Jr., chief of Manila Police Special Mayor’s Reaction Team, said that the barangay officials have been tagged as the persons behind the extortion of vendors on Carmen Planas and Ylaya Streets in Binondo, Manila.
The investigation stemmed from the complaints of some 39 vendors who sent letters to Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Ibay said.
Some of the letters bared that a certain Nogi Edgar was tasked by barangay officials to collect money from the vendors
“140 (pesos) weekly ticket para sa basura,” Ibay said, citing a content of one of the letters. “100 (pesos) kay Edgar,” he added.
Ibay said that the collection was illegal.
The local government only requires vendors to pay P40 each per day, which directly goes to the coffers of the city, Ibay said.
Ibay further said that according to the vendors, they were warned of police arrest should they fail to give money.
Ten of the 39 vendors have given the names of barangay officials who are allegedly behind the extortion activities, Ibay bared.
Meanwhile, the remaining vendors sent a letter to Moreno to seek assistance as they do not want to get involved in the illegal activity.
“We will forward the names of barangay officers to proper agencies – to the Department of Interior of Local Government and to Manila Barangay Board for further investigation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Moreno challenged reporters to locate a certain “Carol Bakulaw” in Pampanga who was also allegedly leading the “organizers” in the collection of money from the vendors.
Moreno also stood firm on his decision to clear the streets of Ylaya despite the protest staged by several members of the “Divisoria Vendors’ Association” in front of the Manila City Hall yesterday morning. They were asking Moreno to let them return and sell on the streets.
“Basta nabigyan na sila ng pagkakataon, sinayang nila,” he said. “For the meantime, we’re busy clearing Ylaya,” Moreno added.
