Suspended Abra village execs told to continue serving

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The provincial board of Abra has directed suspended village officials in Bangued to continue performing their duties while their case is being reviewed.

The directive was addressed to Renato Brasuela, chief of Barangay Calaba, kagawads Marjun Santiago, Carmelita Venus and Rosemel Viado as well as Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Daryll Blanes.

The board ordered the municipal government of Bangued not to implement a suspension order that the town council imposed on the village officials in July.

Earlier, the municipal council suspended the village officials for 90 days for issuing an ordinance imposing the “death penalty” on residents caught illegally dumping trash for the third time.

Bangued Mayor Mila Valera ordered the officials to vacate their posts after the council found them guilty of grave misconduct, abuse of authority, neglect of duty, dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

In June, a local court stopped the suspension of the barangay officials and prevented a kagawad from performing as acting barangay chairman.