Cagayan governor Mamba hits ‘disrespectful’ employee on the nape

CAGAYAN, Philippines – Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba and his security aide hit a capitol employee on the nape for “disrespecting” him during the flag ceremony on Monday, September 4.

Rogie Sending, Mamba’s spokesperson, told Rappler that the governor felt disrespected when Henry Balisi, division chief of the provincial treasury, walked out of the line even before the ceremony was over.

Sending said Balisi was called by Mamba several times to go to the stage, but Balisi refused to do so.

Two of Mamba’s security aides then escorted Balisi toward the governor. One of the aides allegedly hit him on the nape using a small shoulder bag.

Sending also admitted that Mamba “slightly” hit the 63-year old employee for refusing to heed a repeated request.

He said Balisi has since apologized for his actions.

In an interview with local radio, Balisi explained that he started walking away because he thought the ceremony was already over when the governor passed the microphone to another employee.

Balisi said he had no intention of insulting Mamba, admitting that the incident was shameful since it happened in front of a number of capitol employees.

He said he had been in the government for 40 years and had not insulted any governor. – Rappler.com