Image via WikipediaA March 7, 2011 press release prepared by the Department of Interior and Local GovernmentInterior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo today directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) Western Visayas Regional Police Office to effect the arrest of a former barangay captain of a Negros Occidental town who run amuck, killing four barangay officials and wounding three others who were holding a barangay council meeting in the barangay hall.
Robredo particularly ordered Negros Occidental police director P/Sr. Supt. Allan Guisihan to mobilize his field units to collar former Barangay Captain Noel Ayalin who barged into the barangay council meeting and shot all the barangay officials of Kapitan Ramon in Silay City.
“The Department highly condemns the brutal killing of the Kapitan Ramon barangay officials and will ensure that the lone suspect will be put behind bars,” he said.
“The police should immediately apprehend Ayalin and file appropriate criminal charges against him,” added Robredo.
Reports showed that Ayalin went amuck after the barangay asked him to return the government vehicle previously assigned to him.
The barangay council also reportedly asked him to liquidate around P1.2-million in barangay funds.
Robredo also directed the police to ensure the protection of the families of the victims and employ the necessary measures to prevent retaliatory attacks that may result to further violence.
Among those killed were sixteen-year old Sangguniang Kabataan Chair Imee Occeña, and barangay councilors Luzviminda Cotamen, Freddie Juño and Pedrito Orocio. Wounded were Barangay Capt. Ramon Celebre and Councilors Salvacion Corugda and Lenny Leorca.
The DILG Secretary said that because of the fateful incident in Silay City, local officials should exercise extra caution in the performance of their functions, especially in the fight against graft and corruption.
“While we urge our local officials to be firm and resolute in the campaign against graft and corruption, they should also be cautious in dealing with the issue,” Robredo said.
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