KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte – Mayor Rommel Arnado here returned to work on April 3 after a 90-day suspension for grave abuse of authority.

KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte Mayor Rommel Arnado is back to work from a 90-day suspension by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for grave abuse of authority. (Bonita L. Ermac)
Arnado, along with his vice mayor and five council members, was suspended without pay by the provincial board of Lanao del Norte from Dec. 23, 2024, to April 2, 2025.
However, he found his office in disarray when he came back. Official plaques, souvenir items from travel abroad, and personal items were lost, locks were shattered, and documents were scattered.
Arnado said there were also missing items such as critical records labeled Plantillia Position 2024, cement bags, and farm equipment.
He described what happened to his office as disrespect not only to him but also to the entire town of Kauswagan.
Maria Aloha Leilani Rebancos, municipal secretary, said she also lost personal belongings and important documents.
Rebancos said they worked in different offices outside the municipal hall due to threats during Arnado’s suspension.
The six officials did not receive their salaries during their suspension.
A power outage affected the municipal hall and several local establishments which was attributed to unpaid bills under acting Mayor Aga Dimakuta.
Dimakuta denied Arnado's allegations of mismanagement.
Workers are repairing the office and the processing of salaries for all municipal employees continues.