A CONFRONTATION during a village assembly has led to serious consequences for a local official in Danao City. The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended a village chief for one year without pay after he physically assaulted two tanods (watchmen) who were simply doing their job.
The anti-graft office found Taboc-Camalig Bato Barangay Captain Celestino Durano Sybico III guilty of simple misconduct and oppression.
What happened
The incident took place early last year during a village assembly in Taboc-Camalig Bato. The tanods from Barangay Binaliw, Danao City, identified as Jonaldo Castillo and Editho Mangas Jr., arrived to serve a subpoena.
Castillo and Mangas were trying to deliver the notice for a barangay settlement hearing to Irene Casas.
According to the reports, when the tanods attempted to serve the subpoena, Casas reportedly asked Sybico for help. The situation quickly escalated from there. The village chief allegedly approached the two men aggressively. He then frisked Castillo and Mangas and assaulted them.
Former mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano filed the complaint against the village chief.
After reviewing the case, the Ombudsman found substantial evidence to prove oppression and misconduct. However, the office dismissed the charge regarding the violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards.
Moving forward
Changes in leadership are already underway following the decision. Sybico said on social media he will not appeal the decision.
While Sybico serves his one-year suspension, First Councilor Aldrin Gorre will serve as acting captain to handle the village's affairs. / AYB