The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed two criminal complaints against Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco Barzaga—one over the violent Sept. 21 protest in Manila, and another linked to a separate protest in Forbes Park, Makati City.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert AA Morico II said Barzaga was among 97 individuals charged in connection with the Manila riot, which left nearly 100 police officers injured.
The charges include inciting to rebellion (Article 136) and inciting to sedition (Article 142) under the Revised Penal Code.
While Barzaga was not present during the Manila violent clashes, Morico said there were people behind the riot based on the investigation they conducted.
“This is the reason why we are investigating. For every crime there is a story behind the story,” said Morico when asked if Barzaga was included in the charge sheet when he was not present during the violent clashes.
“There are also people behind it and it is the mandate of the CIDG to look into not only those that are present in the area but also those who are behind these incidents,” he emphasized.
Morico’s statement was in reaction to the Facebook post of Barzaga showing a copy of the subpoena. He also questioned the CIDG for filing the criminal charges against him.
And in response, Morico said the reason why they filed the case was that there were police who were injured as a result of the violent attacks initiated against anti-riot cops in Manila.
“Let me just emphasize that this is nothing personal. There was a crime committed, it is a violent one and there are police officers that were injured.
There were government properties that were destroyed in the City of Manila. It is being paid by the taxes of the people so that is the reason why we filed the cases,” said Morico.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno was also furious over the Sept. 21 protest action for the properties that were damaged in Manila, including signages and traffic lights.
Morico said another case was actually filed against Barzaga in relation to the Forbes Park Village in Makati City, a protest action which the legislator allegedly initiated through his social media posts.
Barzaga, who positions himself as an anti-corruption advocate, claimed that the stolen funds from flood control were hidden inside the posh Makati City village.
The supposed big protest in front of Forbes Park, however, fizzled out and some netizens observed that it triggered infighting among anti-Marcos personalities.
Morico confirmed the complaint but declined to elaborate, citing the ongoing preliminary investigation by the National Prosecution Service. (Aaron Recuenco)
