OFFICIALS of Barangay Baganihan in Marilog, Davao City are seeking justice for the death of their barangay kagawad and their Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative (IPMR), who were both shot dead in Sitio Bagong Silang, Brgy. Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City on Saturday, July 1.
In a report from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), the victims were identified as Barangay Kagawad Joel Siawan, 37, and Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Ernesto Matalam, 52. The two are residents of Sitio Namnam, Brgy. Baganihan in Marilog.
"Among kasakit og kasubo sa pagpatay sa atong HALANGDON NA KAGAWAD JOEL SIAWAN OG IPMR DATU ERNESTO MATALAM. GIKONDENA NATO ANG BRUTAL NA PAGPATAY kanila. Hustisya Ang gipangita sa ilang kamatayon (sic) (We are saddened by the killing of our esteemed Kagawad Siawan and IPMR Datu Matalam. We condemn the brutal killing of the two. We are seeking justice for their death)," the barangay said in a statement posted on their official Facebook page.
The barangay also appealed to the media and public to be "sensitive and responsible in their comment on social media."
"DILI TA MOHATAG OG MALING IMPORMASYON OG MAKADUNGAG OG KASAKIT NA GIBATI SA MGA HINGTUNGDAN NA PAMILYA OG MODUNGAG OG MGA STATEMENTS NA MAKAPASUKO SA KATAWHAN....OG WALAY MATABANG FINANCIALLY O PHYSICALLY PWEDE RA MGA PAG AMPO **prayer emoji** (Let us not give false information so we would not add up to the pain of the families of the victims and give statements that would enrage the public... If you cannot help them financially, you can at least pray for them)," it said.
Around 10 a.m. on Saturday, Siawan and Matalam, along with other companions, conducted a tribal ritual in a lot situated near the place and were on their way to the National Highway when the victims were shot.
The identity of the shooters was not yet identified.
Police authorities are currently conducting a hot pursuit operation. (JPC)