The barangay chief and some officials of Barangay Muzon in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan would face a complaint with the fiscal office for allegedly blocking the delivery of “lugaw” or porridge last month.
It will be recalled that the video went viral where barangay officials can be seen scolding the Grab Food rider for allegedly violating the curfew. They also said the porridge was not “essential.”
Grave threat and grave coercion were the complaints filed by rider Marvin Ignacio and the owner of the lugawan against the barangay officials.
Based on Ignacio’s sworn statement, the barangay residents threatened them and drove them away.
“Hindi naman po kami tambay eh, nagtatrabaho po kami,” said Ignacio.
He also allegedly received a threatening message on his Facebook Messenger that he was very worried about.
Ignacio is said to be afraid for his life and that of his family.
Because of what happened, they looked for another place to live and temporarily stopped working due to fear and trauma.
Barangay officials who blocked ‘lugaw’ delivery face complaints
According to Mary Jane Resurreccion, owner of the lugawan, they also experienced harassment from Barangay Muzon officials.
“Hindi ko po alam bakit sila nagpupunta sa Lugaw Pilipinas para i-check… tuwing pupuntahan, tumatawag mga tao ko kaya naririnig ko mga pagsita nila at pambubully sa mga Grab driver, na hindi talaga maayos,” said Resurreccion.
He was also threatened not to be given a permit and to be tortured.
“Nagbabayad naman ako ng tax, sumusunod ako kung ano’ng rules, nirerespeto ko sila. Ang masakit lang ho eh bakit kailangan ipasara kami?” she said.
According to Resurreccion, this caused fear in her, her crew and even the Grab riders.
She said they had already had a meeting with the Department of the Interior and Local Government but they said they would complain to the barangay.
This is difficult, according to Resurreccion, because they are complaining about the barangay itself.
Earlier, the barangay officials apologized for blocking the lugaw delivery.
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