Cebu Village Councilman Among Four Charged with Election Harassment

CEBU CITY — Charges have been filed against four men, including a newly elected village councilman, for alleged voter harassment during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on October 30.

According to Philippines News Agency, spokesperson for the Cebu provincial police, the incident occurred in Barangay Tapon, Dumanjug town. Three out of the four suspects have been identified through a video that surfaced on Facebook, showing them carrying firearms during the election day. “The complainants are hiring private lawyers to take care of their case against them,” Tagsip stated. One of the identified individuals has been confirmed as a victor in the recent council elections.

The accused are facing multiple charges, including physical injury, grave threats, and illegal possession of firearms in contravention of Republic Act 10591, especially during an election period when a gun ban is enforced by the Commission on Elections. Additional administrative charges are being prepared against the elected councilman.

Furthermore, Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-7, reported that Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin has instructed the Dumanjug police to diligently investigate and pursue the appropriate legal actions against the involved individuals. Despite the incident, Pelare affirmed that the BSKE in Cebu was largely peaceful.