Brgy chief sues vice mayor for harassment

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay captain of Ampongol in Sogod town lodged a complaint before the Office of the Visayas Ombudsman against a town vice mayor, a barangay councilor and three others for harassing him and his companion while they were having a meeting last April 9, 2010.

Ampongol barangay captain Jose Arnado, in his complaint, a copy of which was made available to The FREEMAN, identified the accused as reelectionist Vice Mayor Nicasio Bacayo, Ibabao barangay councilor Benedicto Comaingking, Jr., and Noe, Neolito and Jesus, all surnamed Bacayo.

Jesus Bacayo is reportedly a job order employee of the Municipal Government of Sogod.

In his sworn statement, Arnado said that at 11:40 a.m., of April 9, he was at the store owned by one Alan Brigoli situated at the barangay proper of Ampongol together with barangay councilors Pedro Arnado and Gonzalo Brigoli, discussing issues related to the peace and order situation of the barangay.

Arnado said that he know for the fact, considering it is election period, most of the local candidates are coming and visiting their barangay to do political meetings related to the forthcoming May 10 local and national elections.

He added that as barangay officials, they are mandated by law to maintain peace and order in their jurisdiction.

But while in the middle of a meeting, a certain Jesus Bacayo, whom he know as a job order employee of the municipal government, together with another man arrived in the area on board a motorcycle.

Arnado further said that five minutes after, Vice Mayor Bacayo with his brothers Noe and Neolito together with Comaingking, also arrived.

The vice mayor allegedly confronted Arnado’s group, accusing them also of preventing their constituents from attending his political meeting, which was held a kilometer away from the store of Brigoli.

That not contented, Arnado said Bacayo pointed fingers at them, in an angry manner, loud voice, harassing and intimidating them and saying in Cebuano “Saman nganung pugngan man ninyo ang mga tawo sa pagtambong sa among rally?”

Comaingking, also in a loud and angry manner, allegedly added by threatening that if the vice mayor loses in Barangay Ampongol, he will close the barangay road that traverses his property and also cut the electrical installation in the area.

Arnado said that because of the incident, they were disturbed, cannot sleep well at night and worried of their safety.

Barangay Councilors Gonzalo Brigoli and Pedro Arnado, supported the barangay captain’s complaint and also narrated what happened during the confrontation. — THE FREEMAN