TACLOBAN CITY – Rep. Anna Veloso Tuazon condemned the recent violence in the municipalities of San Isidro, Leyte, Tabango, Villaba, and Calubian, Leyte.
TUAZON (FB)
"They create a chilling effect among our citizenry, and have no place in a society that values life, dignity, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and adherence to the rule of law," Tuazon said.
The latest violent incident in Leyte happened just last week.
A barangay chairman, kagawad (councilor), and tanod (watchman) were killed while a civilian survived when four unidentified men barged into a barangay hall and shot them Saturday night, February 24, in Barangay Daja Diot, San Isidro, Leyte.
Police identified the fatalities as Barangay Chairman Elizalde Tabon, 55; Barangay Kagawad Paul Al Mandero, 52; and Barangay Tanod Rusty Salazar. The civilian identified as Alex Bacor was unscathed.
“We are with you in grief, prayer, and outrage. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of Barangay Chairman Otam, Kagawad Intoy, and Barangay Tanod Rusty," Tuazon said. "We also grieve with and pray for the loved ones of Kagawad Rodulfo Cajes of Barangay Tag-abaca and Kagawad Ronald Palacio of Barangay Santa Rosa," she added.
Cajes and Palacio were shot dead in separate incidents in Leyte, Leyte.
"We appeal to everyone’s vigilance, sense of civic responsibility, courage, and empathy, and ask for continued cooperation with our investigators and law enforcers to facilitate the thorough investigation, prosecution, and swift dispensation of justice against the perpetrators of these dastardly acts against our public officials and citizenry,” Tuazon said.
Leyte Police Provincial Office director Police Col. Erwin Portillo assured the public that they are taking these cases very seriously. "This incident is currently under investigation, and we have deployed additional resources and manpower to expedite the process and bring the perpetrators to justice."
He added that their primary focus is the safety and security of residents in San Isidro and other municipalities in the third district of Leyte. "We are collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, conducting thorough investigations, and utilizing all available resources to ensure a swift resolution," Portillo said.
The Leyte PPO has enhanced patrols, established 24-hour checkpoints, and implemented measures to heighten visibility and presence.