Mandaue ABC exec: Village chief accused of sexual abuse wanted to resign from post

THE controversial village chief of Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City had considered stepping down from his position even before his arrest Monday over allegations of sexual assault committed against a minor last April.

This was according to Barangay Subangdaku chief and Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president Ernie Manatad on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

Manatad said following the filing of charges against Barangay Maguikay chief Eduardo Gumera Sr. after the alleged assault, he had a talk with Gumera during which he advised the latter to “remain humble and face the consequences of his action.”

“I also asked him to pray a lot for strength and faith amid this awkward situation in his life,” Manatad added.

Manatad said Gumera had wanted to resign from his post after receiving word that he was to be sued for sexual abuse.

Gumera is now facing charges for violating Section 5 of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, after he allegedly molested the 15-year-old daughter of his friend.

The family of the victim had accompanied Nene (not her real name) to the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas to file a case against Gumera.

Nene told her parents that she sought Gumera’s help last April 18 so she could attend the BBM-Sara Grand Rally at the South Road Properties in Cebu City.

She said the suspect, whom she called “Kap,” offered to take her to the rally in his motorcycle. However, Nene said she was shocked when Gumera brought her to a motel in Lapu-Lapu City instead.

Inside the room, the suspect allegedly asked her to undress after which he allegedly proceeded to sexually molest her.

Manatad said he was sorry and sad when he heard about the incident and asked for prayers for both Gumera and the victim and hoped that the truth would prevail.

Manatad added that Gumera could resign from his post, especially if he feels uncomfortable and if his constituents have already lost their trust in him.

But despite the allegations against Gumera, Manatad, as ABC president, said they would not conduct a separate investigation but would rather wait for the court’s decision.

Banned from public office

In a separate interview, Johnjoan Mende, Mandaue City’s Department of the Interior and Local Government officer, said on Tuesday, Aug. 23, that Gumera might also be banned permanently from running for any government position if the court finds him guilty of the crime.

Gumera will also be removed as village chief if the court convicts him, Mende added.

Mende said that according to Section 4, Article 245 of the Revised Penal Code for crimes committed by public officials, crimes involving sexual molestation and graft and corruption are grounds for perpetual disqualification from public office.