MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo ordered the arrest of a former barangay captain of a Negros Occidental town who run amuck, killing four barangay officials and wounding three others while holding a meeting at the barangay hall.
Robredo also ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) Western Visayas Regional Police Office Negros Occidental chief Senior Superintendent Allan Guisihan to mobilize his field units to arrest Noel Ayalin, former barangay captain.
“The DILG highly condemns the brutal killing of the Kapitan Ramon barangay officials and will ensure that the lone suspect will be put behind bars,” he said. “The police should immediately apprehend Ayalin and file appropriate criminal charges against him.”
According to reports, Ayalin barged into the meeting and shot all the barangay officials of Kapitan Ramon in Silay City.
Police said Ayalin went amuck after the barangay asked him to return the government vehicle previously assigned to him.
The barangay council also reportedly asked him to liquidate around P1.2-million in barangay funds.
Robredo directed the police to ensure the protection of the families of the victims and employ the necessary measures to prevent retaliatory attacks that may result to further violence.
He said the fateful incident in Silay City should serve as a reminder to local officials should exercise extra caution in the performance of their functions, especially in the fight against graft and corruption.
“While we urge our local officials to be firm and resolute in the campaign against graft and corruption, they should also be cautious in dealing with the issue,” Robredo said.