DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 1, 2011) – A Filipino mayor has attacked a sheriff who was carrying out a court order Friday to demolish some 200 shacks illegally occupying a private land.
Mayor Sara Duterte, of Davao City, punched Sheriff Abe Andres at least four times in the face in front of her bodyguards and policemen as the illegal settlers cheered.
Duterte’s companion tried to prevent her from attacking the sheriff, but she warned them not to even touch her and went on punching the man. “No, no,” she told those who were trying to prevent her from harming the sheriff.
The attack was witnessed by dozens of people at a compound in Agdao district where Andres was serving the court order.
Andres ran away after the fuming politician attacked him, but Duterte ordered her bodyguard to bring back the sheriff and again attacked him – pulling his hair – according to witnesses.
Duterte said she was only asking two hours from the sheriff before they demolish the shanties, but Andres refused.
It was unknown whether the sheriff would pres charges against the Duterte, who is the daughter of former Davao City mayor and now vice mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is known for beating criminals in public.
There was no immediate statement from the Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 16 which ordered the demolition. The Department of the Interior and Local Government also did not issue any statement on what charges to file against Duterte.
The attack was criticized by human rights advocates in Davao City. (Mindanao Examiner)
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