The Office of the Ombudsman has released an order dismissing from service the captain and three councilmen of Barangay Nonoy in Iloilo City.

The Ombudsman found the barangay officials guilty of grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.

The barangay captain is Jennifer Quisto, while the councilmen are Evan Joe Anonoy, Jeffrey Francisco, and Alan Mahinay.

The cases against them stemmed from an incident on November 7, 2020 when Anonoy had a business owner arrested for allegedly harassing him.

Francisco, Quisto, and Mahinay served as witnesses. At that time, Quisto and Mahinay were the barangay secretary and treasurer.

Part of the dismissal are cancellation of the officials’ eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from government service.

Anonoy received a copy of the decision in the second week of August.

In a statement, Quisto said she, Francisco, and Mahinay have filed a motion for reconsideration.

The Ombudsman order reportedly did not indicate the effectivity date and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) office in Iloilo City is yet to receive a copy of the decision, as of this writing.

The mayor reportedly can enforce the decision.

Once the decision in enforced, the rule of succession will be followed to replace the officials.