Facebook post row sparks Iloilo City barangay clash

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Jennifer P. Rendon

A village chief in Iloilo City is in hot water after figuring in a clash with a Sangguniang Kabataan kagawad, or council member, inside their barangay hall on the evening of April 6.

The incident allegedly took place at the barangay hall of Barangay Kasing-Kasing in Molo, Iloilo City.

Police identified the respondent as Barangay Chairwoman Gemma Calzado.

The complainant, 21-year-old SK Kagawad Lorence Galvez, accused Calzado of hitting him with a broom during the confrontation.

The Iloilo City Police Office confirmed that the incident was reported to Molo Police Station and entered in the police blotter.

Galvez said he was told to report to the barangay hall on Monday evening for what he believed was an SK council session.

Despite his work schedule, he said he went to the barangay hall because he thought he needed to sign a document.

When he arrived, Galvez said he saw Calzado, their SK chairperson, and several other village officials. He said Calzado soon approached him and confronted him over a Facebook post.

Galvez denied that his post referred to Calzado and said he never mentioned her by name. He admitted he raised his voice during the confrontation as he denied her accusations.

Galvez said the heated argument turned physical when Calzado allegedly grabbed a plastic broom with a steel stem and handle. He said Calzado struck him twice, hitting his forehead and left arm.

The complainant sustained a laceration on the left side of his forehead and a contusion on his left arm.

With the assistance of Barangay Kagawad Orlando Falco, Galvez said he placed Calzado under citizen’s arrest.

Police later detained Calzado on a physical injury complaint.

In her account, however, Calzado said she called Galvez and another SK official to discuss Facebook posts that she believed were damaging the barangay’s image.

She said she had previously asked Galvez’s family to advise him on his posts, but decided to address the matter herself after the posts continued.

Calzado said the other SK official responded calmly when questioned.

She alleged that Galvez, however, answered in a raised voice and insisted on continuing his social media posts.

She admitted that in a moment of anger, she grabbed a broom and struck Galvez on the forehead.

Calzado said the clash with Galvez was not about politics.

“Maski kilatan ako sang Ginoo. Sila ‘ya ang naga pamulutika,” she said.

(Even if God strikes me with lightning. They are the ones playing politics.)

Calzado said the dispute stemmed from Galvez’s Facebook posts, which she said cast the barangay in a bad light.

She claimed Galvez posted, “Na ano ka. Naga baris ka ay. Ano ka buang?”

(What is wrong with you? You’re being violent. Are you crazy?)

Galvez denied calling Calzado crazy. He said his Facebook posts were general statements and were not directed at her.

He also said they are no longer Facebook friends because Calzado had blocked him.

Calzado, however, said she was not foolish enough to miss what she believed were Galvez’s indirect attacks. She said she could not simply ignore the posts because she was an elected official.

Calzado also linked her decision to confront Galvez to her responsibility to maintain peace and order in the barangay.

Galvez, for his part, said Calzado should act in a manner worthy of respect given her age.

Although both sides insisted politics had nothing to do with the confrontation, Galvez and Calzado are widely seen as being aligned with opposing political camps.

Galvez claimed their conflict may have stemmed from political differences following the 2025 elections. He said tensions between them had persisted since then.

Galvez is known as a supporter of the Baronda camp, while Calzado is aligned with the Treñas party.

Following the incident, Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne “Jam” Baronda called for a thorough and impartial investigation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Philippine National Police.

“Capt. (Calzado) we have been silent because we tried to understand you because of the casual employees under your care, but it is not right to strike an SK Kagawad who is supportive of my program,” Baronda said in a statement.

“I demand a thorough and impartial investigation into this matter. This is too much. Iloilo City deserves a leader who can protect its people,” she added.

Joy Fantilaga-Gorzal, spokesperson for Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, said the city government was closely coordinating with the Iloilo City Police Office to ensure a proper and impartial inquiry.

“We emphasize that we do not tolerate any form of violence from anyone,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Iloilo City expressed concern over the incident and highlighted the need for professionalism, respect, and proper conduct in public service, particularly in interactions involving youth leaders.

The federation called on authorities to conduct a “fair, thorough, and impartial investigation to establish the facts and ensure that due process is observed.”

It said it remains committed to supporting SK officials while fostering strong partnerships with barangay leaders.

“We urge everyone to allow the proper processes to take place, guided by truth, fairness, and accountability,” the federation added.