Bayambang mayor says news on alleged suicide of five onion farmers not true
BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan -- Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao has denied a report that five onion farmers here had allegedly committed suicide due to huge losses amid prohibitive prices of onions.
"Walang katotohanan ang kumakalat na balita tungkol sa limang magsasakang nag-suicide sa bayan ng Bayambang dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng sibuyas (There is no truth to the news on alleged suicide of five onion farmers in the town Bayambang because of rising prices of onions),” said Mayor Jose-Quiambao.
The mayor made the statement which she posted on her official Facebook page in reaction to the said report.
Citing the data from the Rural Health Unit and Bayambang Municipal Police Station, Mayor Jose-Quiambao reiterated that no case of suicide linked to high prices of onions was recorded this year.
The mayor explained that what was being referred to in the news was the case of a farmer who committed suicide in January 2021 because of armyworms infestation and not because of anything linked to expensive prices of onions.
Due to the reported incident of suicides, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has asked the police to investigate.
The LGU-Bayambang also clarified that there was no harassment among residents during a police investigation.
Colonel Jeff Fanged, Pangasinan Police Provincial Director, also clarified that there was no harassment allegedly committed by policemen against the farmers or their families.
“If the allegations were true, this Office will subject them for corrective measures and such actions by our colleagues will not be not tolerated,” said Col. Fanged.
Col. Fanged also assured that the Pangasinan police will remain committed to their sworn duties and responsibilities to the people, to serve and protect them and enforce the law without fear or favor.