AT LEAST 14 barangay health workers and four day care workers were sacked from their posts by the village chief of Barangay Buluangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, for allegedly not following orders.

Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao, said the sacked employees went to his office after Barangay Captain Aniceto Baldegamo issued their termination order last May 16, 2019.

Estrao said Baldegamo's decision was illegal as he does not have the authority to terminate the said workers, since they are working under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Health Office.

He further pointed out that May 16 is still under the election banning period, which prohibits hiring or firing any government employees from their posts.

Estrao said the affected workers are mulling to file a formal complaint with the Ombudsman, and he has recommended to the affected employees to also file a complaint to the local town's council as they also have the power to penalize erring barangay officials.

He added Baldegamo's actions were baseless and an “abuse of power.”

Baldegamo could not be reached for comment as of the time.