Those rival groups

FACEPALM moment, as the young ones would say. That’s what we call what happened at Purok 4-A of Isla Verde in Barangay 23-C Saturday night. If we were given the choice, we would have sought for the disqualification of both camps. The riot that broke out between two rival groups of barangay leaders are not the kind of scenarios anyone should welcome among any barangay official’s supporters.

But then, that’s us. Apparently, those in barangay 23-C would prefer to be rooting for their camps never mind if it entails going on a riot every once in a while.

Based on initial reactions, the camp of incumbent barangay captain Alimuden Wating Usman and the rival camp of Amil Bangsa Manding met at Purok 4-A after which an argument broke out, followed by a free-for-all and then gunshots.

Gunshots during the time when an election gun ban is in place. Now that says a lot about the people these two barangay council aspirants are keeping.

In the scuffle, one Alcon Ebrahim, 48, was hit in the arm as he tried to step in between the two groups. Also injured were Alibaser Cabuntalan, identified as a supporter of Manding, and Abdul Amar Asis, a supporter of Usman.

Being familiar with the psychology of those who break out in riots and carry around guns even when there’s a gun ban, the rivalry will not end with the elections, nor will the animosity stop. “Resbak” is top of mind.

Given that there seems to be just two most influential groups there and the election is today, then we hope that the law enforcers have all kept tags of these two barangay leaders and their supporters, and be always on their toes to put these men in their proper places: behind bars, included.