NBI files illegal detention raps vs condo owners, personnel for detaining 3 nurses

CONDOMINIUM owners and their security personnel were charged for allegedly detaining three nurses whom they suspected of being infected with the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Friday.

The NBI filed serious illegal detention against nine officials and security personnel of the Victoria Towers Condominium (VTC) in Quezon City.

Operatives of the NBI Special Action Unit (NBI-SAU) arrested Mel Tosco, property manager and administrative head of VTC; Napoleon Brinas and Jerich Jucaban head and vice president of Security Management of San Jose Builders Inc (SJBI), respectively; Sadat Macabanding, a security guard; and three male and female guards assigned at the VTC premises.

The arrest stemmed from a complaint by the three unidentified nurses who said they were being unlawfully held for three days despite showing medical clearances certifying they were free from Covid and cleared for work.

Upon the arrival of the NBI-SAU operatives at VTC, they were met by Tosco and Brinas and SJBI legal officer Neneth De Padua, who refused to release the nurses, saying they were waiting for barangay clearance.

Authorities obtained a health clearance from the barangay’s infection control consultants, which they announced on loudspeaker outside the premises but which were ignored.

They proceeded to the 9th floor to rescue the complainants.

Tosco, the lady guards and five other security personnel were arrested while Brinas fled VTC. Jucaban failed to appear after telling authorities that he was coming over.