Macasandig top post remains vacant; Aaron waits for order

By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent

THE seat of power of Barangay Macasandig here remained vacant yesterday even as ex-barangay chairman and now village councilor Aaron Neri expressed reluctance in replacing dismissed barangay chairman Ernesto Edrote without an order from Mayor Oscar Moreno.

Edrote stepped down on Friday together with his treasurer Ma. Fe Campanilla and secretary Rey Ranes Balandra on orders by the Office of the Ombudsman that held them accountable for misconduct.

Macasandig barangay administrator  Romeo Daabay said some of the barangay hall’s services were disrupted because Neri has yet to assume the post vacated without resistance by Edrote.

Daabay said Neri was waiting for an order from Moreno.

“Ingon ni Kagawad Neri nga kon wala siyay madawat nga order gikan ni Mayor Moreno, dili usab siya molingkod sa pagka kapitan kay aron malikayan ang kasamok,” Daabay said.

Nearly no one reported for work at the barangay hall when this paper checked it yesterday morning.

Daabay however said the barangay hall can issue barangay clearances, certificates of residency, and senior citizens’ certificates.

Edrote, Campanilla, and Balandra went to city hall last week to receive copies of their dismissal order for grave misconduct based on Neri’s group’s complaint filed in April 10. Despite a motion for reconsideration, Edrote said they chose to step down to diffuse the tension in Macasandig.

Edrote’s wife Ethel said the dismissed barangay chairman was drawing strength from her and their daughter.

“Ako ug ang akong anak nga babayi ma-o ang strength kaniya. Amo siyang gi-sultihan nga ayaw lang kabalaka kay ang Gino-o  wala matulog, mogawas ra gihapon ang hustisya nga makidiyos ug makita-o,” she said.