Six barangay officials in Abra suspended over threatening penalty for waste disposal

The barangay captain and five other officials of Barangay Calaba in Bangued, Abra were suspended over a controversial sanction for the violators of improper waste disposal.

According to a report by GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon’s CJ Torida in 24 Oras on Thursday, several residents complained that the penalty for a third offense seemed to be life threatening.

The tarpaulin shows that violators must pay a fine of P1,000 for first offense; and P1,000 and eight-hour community service for second offense. For the third offense, the signage shows an illustration of a handgun.

The Sangguniang Bayan of Bangued ordered a 90-day preventive suspension against the barangay captain, four barangay kagawad, and the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson.

"Ang preventive suspension ay hindi penalty, ang purpose lamang nito ay upang hindi maimpluwensiyahan ang mga witnesses at upang hindi masira ang integrity ng mga records at iba pang mga dokumento," said Sangguniang Barangay Secretary Eric Astudillo in his native language.

(The preventive suspension is not a penalty, its purpose is not to influence the witnesses and to protect the integrity of the records and other documents.)

On the other hand, the Department of the Interior and Local Government is hearing their cases on grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty, gross dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The 1st Kagawad will take over the suspended barangay captain's duty for now.

GMA Integrated News has already sought comment from the suspended barangay officials.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News