CHR slams Abra barangay's alleged penalty for improper waste disposal

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR)  on Saturday denounced the controversial sanction imposed by a barangay in Bangued, Abra for improper waste disposal. 

The barangay captain and six other officials of Barangay Calaba were suspended for 90 days after several residents complained that the penalty for the third offense seemed to imply a death sentence.

The controversial tarpaulin showed that violators must pay a fine of P1,000 for the first offense; and P1,000 and eight hours of community service for a second offense. For the third offense, the sign showed an illustration of a handgun.

“Such cruel directives and offenses does not address the problem, instead, it only perpetuates confusion, perplexity, and distress among the constituents,” the CHR said in a statement. “These heinous remarks have not only caused social unrest but also posed a direct threat to the right to life.” 

The CHR said that local government officials should not make light of such sensitive issues, emphasizing that the death penalty is prohibited under the 1987 Constitution. 

“Such ordinances must align with national laws and respect fundamental human rights, ensuring that they do not overstep legal and ethical boundaries,” it added. 

“Local leaders are responsible for serving the immediate interests of their constituents. Above all, they should embody the morals and values of leadership, particularly in respecting everyone’s rights.” 

The human rights agency commended the local government of Bangued for its swift action against the six barangay officials. 

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.

Meanwhile, Sangguniang Barangay Secretary Eric Astudillo emphasized that the preventive suspension was not a 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," Astudillo had said in his native language.

(Its purpose is not to influence the witnesses, and to protect the integrity of the records and other documents.)

GMA News Online sought for further comments from the Municipality of Bangued and the Sangguniang Bayan of Bangued. — DVM, GMA Integrated News