Warring barangay officials urged to ‘make peace’

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – Task Force Kasanag national commander John Chiong urged warring barangays officials to settle their differences so as not to disrupt delivery of basic services to their respective constituents.

Chiong issued the call after a village chief and a barangay councilman figured in a near fistfight due to allege anomalies in the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program, a government assistance given to the poor amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At this time of the pandemic, we must consider the interest of the public especially the barangay residents who are in need of the government’s attention,” he said.

Chiong said Barangay 35 village chief Ruben James Miranda and Kagawad (council member) Ronnie Albao should settle their fight.

Miranda accused Albao of instigating the filing of charges over alleged SAP anomalies in their village.

Miranda and Albao’s confrontation became viral on social media after videos were posted online showing Miranda badmouthing Albao before the start of the barangay council session.

Albao said he will file charges against Miranda.

Miranda denied any irregularity in the distribution of SAP in their barangay.

Chiong also urged complainants of alleged SAP anomalies to file the charges on their own to avoid “political color.”

“Don’t allow yourself to be used,” Chiong said.