Fiscal gets promoted amid tiff with ex-girlfriend

DESPITE figuring in a dispute with his former girlfriend last week, Asst. Provincial Prosecutor Dionilo Mantos got promoted by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Cebu Provincial Prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba said Mantos filed for a promotion two years ago. Except for an increase in his salary, there will be no changes in Mantos’ assignment.

Mantos was appointed prosecutor in January 2013 and has been assigned to handle cases in the towns of Catmon and Argao.

From a junior prosecutor, Mantos will assume the position of prosecutor II.

“His basic salary now is about P60,000. Due to his promotion, he will receive about P20,000 more,” Petralba told reporters yesterday.

Last Jan. 8, Mantos conducted a “citizen’s arrest” on his former girlfriend Jocelyn Sala for allegedly throwing a stone at his vehicle.

The woman went to Mantos’ office in downtown Cebu City to ask for money to have their sick eight-month-old baby hospitalized.

Mantos, who is married to another woman, refused to give Sala money.

Sala was released last Monday after Mantos decided not to file criminal charges against her.

Sala sought protection under the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program after she purportedly received death threats from Mantos.

Prosecutor Llena Ipong-Avila, head of the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program in Central Visayas, said she gave Sala time to decide whether or not she really wanted to be under the supervision of their office.

“We talked for more than two hours. I think she needs time to decide. I don’t want her to pursue a case against Fiscal Mantos and then withdraw the case later on,” Avila said.

Aside from assessing the threats, Avila said the DOJ has to make sure it won’t waste government funds by admitting some persons to its witness protection program and then later on engage in an amicable settlement with the other party.

“I gave her my cellphone number just in case she is firm on her resolve. She can call me anytime,” she said.