Brgy captain suspended

OVER DEMOLITION OF VENDOR’S STALL

For demolishing the stall of a vendor with alleged 'threat and intimidation', Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña implemented the six-month suspension of Labangon Barangay Captain Victor Buendia and three other officials.

In a memorandum dated January 20, Osmeña ordered the suspension of Buendia, councilman Ronald Dagatan, chief tanod Celerina De Los Reyes, market administrator Lolita Lumibaw, and other unnamed barangay officials.

"The Office of the Ombudsman (Visayas), in its Decision dated February 19, 2016, in connection with the administrative case docketed as OMB-V-A-15-0138, entitled PEPITO P. PEPITO vs VICTOR BUENDIA, ET AL., has meted upon all of you the penalty of suspension," the memo read.

Buendia and other officials are suspended from service for six months and one day. City Legal Officer Joseph Bernaldez said councilwoman Zenaida Amores will function as the acting barangay captain in Buendia's place.

Buendia, an ally of Osmeña, said he understands that the mayor is only implementing the law.

"We have to obey the rule of law," Buendia said.

The complaint stemmed from the allegation of Pepito that the barangay officials demolished his stall on February 14, 2014 in the company of armed men. Pepito said he was threatened by the armed men who were surrounding his stall at that time.

ALDO NELBERT BANAYNAL Parishioners in Poro, Camotes, still practice the “Patunob” wherein lay ministers use the image of the Sr. Sto. Niño to touch those suffering illnesses or diseases to heal them.