ABC supports village chief facing charges

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Association of Barangay Councils has committed to support Talamban barangay captain Dario Arcilla, who is facing a criminal complaint for usurpation of authority.

While under the Local Government Code, a barangay captain has no authority to issue a cease and desist order to stop a particular construction, a city ordinance authorizes so, said ABC president Philip Zafra.

“Bisan og wala mi-attend si kapitan Arcilla sa atong assembly, amo gihapon siyang suportaan ani nga kaso. However, ako sad siya gi-awhag to give the facts because we also need to know,” Zafra said during yesterday’s ABC general assembly attended by at least 50 barangay captains.

The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office charged Arcilla for usurpation of authority for allegedly stopping the construction of the house of complainant Beltran Rizon early this year.   The case has been elevated to the Municipal Trial Court in Cities.

Zafra, also barangay captain of Tisa, said Arcilla’s case was presented yesterday to make other village chiefs aware, saying that it could also happen to any of them.

Among other matters tackled during the assembly was the drainage system of the barangays.

Zafra said the council committed to coordinate with other barangay officials for a massive cleanup of canals, rivers, and creeks.

“Daghan pa gyod og kailangan nga limpyohan. We also need the help of our constituents para masolbad g’yod ning problema sa baha ug basura,” he said, adding that neighboring barangays should also help each other in addressing such problem.

Another matter discussed was the restoration of three-meter easement zone along rivers and creek.

“We will also help in tracing establishments who are encroaching the rivers and creeks,” Zafra said.

The ABC president further said that giving extra benefits to barangay officials who have reached 20 to 30 years in service was also raised during the assembly.

“We will push for this kay gagmay ra baya intawn ang honorarium sa mga barangay officials and wala pa g’yod kaayo’y benefits,” he said.  (FREEMAN)