ORMOC CITY – A resolution condemning the acts of killing directed at barangay officials in this city, and requesting the assistance of the relevant national government agencies (NGAs) through Leyte 4th District Representative Richard I. Gomez for a solution and recommendations, was passed by the committee on barangay affairs and the committee on human rights of the 16th Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) during its regular session on July 23, 2024.
The said resolution was pushed by its authors, SP Member Esteban V. Laurente and SPM Burt J. Pades, chairpersons of the said committees, respectively. Meanwhile, the abovementioned NGAs include the Department of the Interior andLocal Government (DILG) through Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr.; Philippine National Police (PNP) through General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil; Department of Justice (DOJ) through Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla; and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) through Director Jaime B. Santiago.
The resolution further states that the City of Ormoc has been experiencing an alarming increase in the number of killings involving the barangay officials who were shot and died, namely Sangguniang Barangay Member (SBM) Francisco “Paking” V. Villa of barangay Biliboy on October 23, 2023; former Punong Barangay (PB) Patricio C. Laude of barangay Catmon on February 16, 2024; PB Dennis L. Laurente of barangay Alta Vista, who was targeted while en route to celebrate the Araw ng mga Barangay on June 12, 2024, and died on June 21, 2024; and Sangguniang Kabataan Member (SKM) Paula Marie K. Gonzalo of barangay South, who was found dead on July 17, 2024.
On the other hand, the barangay officials who sustained gunshot injuries include SBM Christopher G. Casimong of barangay Catmon on February 16, 2024; SBM Ramie G. Matuguina of barangay Salvacion, who was shot in barangay San Pablo on June 6, 2024, while in his service vehicle; and SKM Hannah P. Torralba of barangay Alta Vista, who was with PB Dennis L. Laurente and other barangay officials of Alta Vista during an attack on their barangay patrol vehicle on June 12, 2024.
Accordingly, these attacks on the seven (7) barangay officials happened in a span of nine (9) months during the years 2023–2024; and that these brave men and women, who selflessly served their communities, have fallen victim to senseless acts of violence.
The Local Government Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7160) mandates barangay officials to maintain peace and order, as outlined in Sections 389 and 391, which assign responsibilities include enforcing the laws, preventing crimes, and supervising barangay tanods. However, despite these mandates, these killings have instilled fear in barangay officials, impeding their ability to effectively exercise their duties and responsibilities.
Moreover, the incidents involving the killings of barangay officials not only disrupt the administration of barangay affairs but also instill fear and insecurity among the residents, undermining trust and confidence in local governance.
Finally, the said resolution also states that there is a prevailing public perception that these incidents are politically motivated, and, therefore, it becomes more imperative that a swift resolution is found in view of the upcoming 2025 national and local elections; and that it is also essential to address these incidents promptly and effectively in order to ensure justice for the victims, prevent further similar occurrences, and ultimately, restore public trust in the government. By Gwen Maurillo (EV Mail July 22-28, 2024 issue)
