Councilor to sue attackers identified with ex-mayor

A BARANGAY councilor from Ibabao-Estancia, Mandaue City is preparing to file criminal charges after he was allegedly assaulted by three individuals linked to a former city mayor early Tuesday morning, June 2, 2025.

Councilor Noel Flores Quimque identified the suspects as Ian Luigi Cortes, Ejay Cortes and Julius “Bantam” Soon, all said to be relatives or close associates of former Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes. Ian Luigi is also the son of Barangay Centro Captain Ian Cortes.

According to Quimque, the incident occurred outside his home in Ibabao-Estancia at 1 a.m. on Tuesday.

He said Ian Luigi had called him outside his house, saying he wanted to talk to him.

“I thought he had good intentions and maybe wanted to reconcile, so I agreed to come out. But to my surprise, he suddenly got angry and told me I was arrogant. Then someone on a motorcycle arrived and hit me at the back of the head with a helmet,” he said in Cebuano.

Quimque added that he was then punched multiple times by Ian Luigi, resulting in injuries.

“The three of them ganged up on me without warning,” he said.

The councilor sustained multiple bruises and contusions from the alleged assault.

The attackers reportedly fled the scene as neighbors began to approach to investigate the commotion.

However, Ian Luigi’s motorcycle and a mobile phone believed to belong to Julius “Bantam” Soon were left behind.

Police later recovered the motorcycle and registration documents found in the utility box confirmed it is registered under Ian Luigi’s name.

Disagreements

Quimque said that prior to the incident, their interactions had been limited to heated exchanges on Facebook.

He said they did not know each other personally and were not even connected as friends on the platform.

Disagreements between them had occurred solely online, and Quimque believed these should have stayed within the bounds of social media.

However, he noted that emotions can sometimes get the better of people, leading to attacks that become personal and go “below the belt.”

Quimque said he will meet with his lawyer today and plan to file charges of premeditated direct assault on a public official, an offense considered serious under Philippine law, particularly under Article 148 of the Revised Penal Code.

He also believes the incident may have been politically motivated.

“This is still about the election. They couldn’t accept their loss,” he said, referring to tensions stemming from the recent local and national elections.

Quimque is a known supporter of Mandaue City Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, while the suspects are reportedly aligned with the Cortes political bloc.

SunStar Cebu attempted to contact the alleged suspects to get their side, but they have not responded as of press time. / CAV