COTABATO CITY — In a decisive move against corruption, the Blue Ribbon Committee of the 18th Sanguniang Panglungsod has suspended four barangay captains and one barangay councilor for 60 days following a thorough investigation that uncovered probable cause and solid evidence of misconduct.
The suspension, overwhelmingly approved by the City Council, aims to prevent the officials from interfering with or influencing the ongoing probe into alleged corruption, abuse of authority, and dereliction of duty.
The implicated barangay officials hail from Mother Kalanganan, Kalanganan 2, Rosary Heights 5, and Rosary Heights 12. Among the most serious accusations is that against Rosary Heights 5 Chairman Fidel Dino Maglalang, who is alleged to have sold a barangay dump truck without proper documentation or accountability for the proceeds. Both Maglalang and RH 5 Councilor Sarah Disalungan Maulana are also facing charges of dereliction of duty and gross negligence for failing to conduct regular barangay sessions and neglecting their responsibilities.
Kalanganan 2 Chairman Datu Edris Pasawiran faces accusations of oppression, misconduct, and abuse of authority, including the operation of an alleged illegal terminal. Similarly, Rosary Heights 12 Chairwoman Melissa Faye Singh Pasawiran is under investigation for violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, filed by Muadz Zailin Abdulradzak and Ebrahim Utto Benito. Kalangan Mother Chairman Datu Bimbo Ayunan is also facing similar charges of abuse of authority and unprofessional conduct.
Mayor Bruce Matabalao, who endorsed several of the complaints, emphasized that the suspensions were necessary to uphold accountability and protect the integrity of local governance.
None of the suspended barangay officials have released official statements regarding the allegations. The City Council has vowed to continue its investigation, signaling a firm stance against corruption at the grassroots level.