BACOLOD CITY — The president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in Negros Occidental has urged the police and the military to step up protection for village officials in the province.
Provincial Board Member Juvy Pepello made the call on Wednesday afternoon or two days after village chief Rhoy Pagapang of Barangay Libas, Isabela town was gunned down by members of the New People’s Army (NPA), who accused him of being a “military asset.”
“We encourage our police and military men to go the extra mile in protecting our elected public officials, specifically our barangay captains,” Pepello said.
Her appeal, made on behalf of the Liga ang mga Barangay officers, was stated in the resolution extending condolences to the bereaved Pagapang family that was approved by the Provincial Board.
She said the barangay, as the basic unit of government, is tasked to maintain peace and order, and it must also tap the services of the peacekeeping bodies.
Ten days earlier, suspected NPA rebels also shot dead former San Agustin village chief Agapito Euraoba in Isabela.
“Though it is not yet alarming, as these killing incidents happened in one locality only, we are calling on the top officials of the police and military in the province to intensify their efforts in ensuring security, especially in Isabela,” Pepello said.
She added that Liga officials are planning to meet with Negros Occidental police director, Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil Jr., to discuss the concern.
Since two barangay captains were already killed in Isabela, more forces are needed in the municipality, Pepello said.
Moreover, the Liga officers also urged all village chiefs in the province to take precautionary measures to ensure safety among themselves.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Negros Occidental police condemned the killing of the 38-year-old Pagapang.
Negros Occidental police public information officer, Insp. Aireen Cordua, said after the communist rebels owned up to the killing of Pagapang, the police is pursuing the investigation. (Erwin Nicavera/PNA)
