Returning Miral to focus on peace and order

CEBU, Philippines — Ermita, Cebu City barangay captain Mark Rizaldy Miral has pledged to work on improving the peace and order situation in the barangay as he returned to office yesterday after serving suspension for one year.

Miral, along with six other barangay councilors – Antonieto Flores, Ryan Jay Rosas, Alio Tamundo, Domingo Ando Jr., Maria Buanghug Pino, and Wilbert Flores, was suspended by the Ombudsman after their alleged refusal to assist authorities conducting drug raids in Sitio Bato.

In an interview with reporters, Miral said he will continue the drainage project in Sitio Bato and, at the same time, strengthen the barangay’s peace and order, especially since it is infested with drug users and pushers, as well as snatchers.

“Palig-onon gyud nako ang peace and order karon kay para nako importante kaayo na (I want to beef up our peace and order. To me, that’s very important),” Miral said.

He also encouraged all the residents of the barangay to cooperate in making Ermita a better barangay.

In a separate interview, Pino said that with their return, they can now push through with their plans.

Aside from being a councilwoman of Ermita, Pino incidentally heads the Cebu City United Vendors Association Inc. (CCUVA), the biggest organization of street vendors in the city.

She said that one of their plans is to finish the construction of the second unit of Carbon market and support the mayor’s thrust to have a clean and peaceful market.

Pino said that they still worked for the barangay even as they were serving their suspension.

“Suspendido mi sa ngalan apan sa serbisyo padayon (On paper we were suspended but our services to the barangay continued),” she said.

Efe Rupinta, daughter of slain barangay captain Felicisimo “Imok” Rupinta, had taken reins in the barangay since July 19, 2018 following the suspensions. — Jebert A. Sarsonas (FREEMAN)