By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A board member accused Negros Occidental’s Murcia town Vice Mayor Johnny Reosura of “abuse of authority” after he allegedly slapped a minor during a scuffle last November 2.

Third district Board Member Andrew Montelibano said the case should be pursued instead.

He also vowed to assist the 15-year-old victim in filing charges against Reosura.

However, he maintained that his assistance was not motivated by a political agenda, and believed that the victim’s rights should be upheld.

The board member said the minor had already filed a blotter report with Murcia police station and presented medical-legal documentation that he experienced pain in his face due to the slap.

Earlier, the teenager claimed that he was allegedly slapped by Reosura, as he denied the use of weapons in the scuffle.

The victim, along with others, and Reosura’s nephew got into an altercation, where the latter reportedly fell to the ground after being punched.

The complainant, a resident of Bacolod City’s Barangay Vista Alegre, reported to the local media, that he was allegedly bullied by the official’s nephew.

Barangay officials intervened and summoned both parties for a settlement.

However, Reosura allegedly stormed the settlement and demanded the victim to give the brass knuckles that were supposedly used against his nephew.

For his part, the vice mayor denied the allegations that he slapped the minor.

Reosura admitted that he held the victim’s mouth, and accused him of lying.

He added that his nephew underwent a medical examination for any potential serious head injuries./DGB, WDJ