Barangay captain seeks security over recent death threats

CEBU, Philippines - With the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections just nine days away, a barangay captain in the northern town of Tabuelan has asked that he be given security detail owing to recent threats to his life.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, Kanluhangon Barangay Captain Carlito Rondina Jr. said he recently received text messages that said he is now easy to kill because he could no longer fight back because of his deformed arm.

“Sayun nalang di-ay ka patyun kay pingkaw naman ka after ka napusilan.”, “Bantay ka, kay among kinabuhi for hire lang ang imuha political,” Rondina quoted the message.

Just last July, Rondina was shot by a certain Daniel Montealto, ex-barangay treasurer of Barangay Kanluhangon due to personal grudge. He was hit on the shoulder.

He said this is not the first time he received such messages, as he also received death threats prior to the recent May 10 elections. His house was also strafed, but luckily, no one was hurt. 

“Girakrakan ang balay samtang nagkapundok ang mga liders. Tulo ra ang ako na-identify,” Rondina said. A case was even filed in the Regional Trial Court in relation to the incident.

Rondina said additional security personnel at his barangay could help abate possible conflict during the campaign period and on the day of the election itself.

For his part, Provincial Police Director Erson Digal said he will recommend to Provincial Election Officer Lionel Marco Castillano that elements of the 78th Infantry Battalion be detailed at Barangay Kanluhangon. (FREEMAN)