Surigao del Sur Voters Approve Creation of New Barangay in Barobo

BAROBO, SURIGAO DEL SUR — Residents of Barobo, Surigao del Sur have voted in favor of establishing a new barangay, named Barangay Guinhalinan, as confirmed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) following a plebiscite held on August 10.

According to Philippines News Agency, out of the town’s 2,574 registered voters, 1,445 supported the initiative to create the new barangay, reflecting a substantial majority. The overall voter turnout was 56.68 percent, with 1,459 voters participating in the plebiscite. Only 14 voters opposed the measure.

In the interim, the newly formed Barangay Guinhalinan will be administered by officials appointed by the mayor of Barobo. This temporary administration will include one village chief, seven village council members, a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson, and seven members of the SK council. These appointees will serve until the next election cycle, when successors will be elected.

The plebiscite was conducted in alignment with Republic Act 11986, which was signed into law on March 21, 2024, setting the legal groundwork for the creation of the new barangay.