14 families in Manjuyod town seek CHR help over ‘political harassment’

CEBU, Philippines - Fourteen families at Barangay Maaslum in Manjuyod town of Negros Oriental have sought the assistance of the Commission on Human Rights for what they alleged was political harassment of the present administration.

The residents claimed their water connections were cut off last Tuesday allegedly by the barangay’s plumbers—George Cadalso and Oscar Andaya Jr.—because they supported mayoralty candidate Jose Baldado who run and lost against incumbent Mayor Felix Sy.

Among the residents—Ana Marie Diano, Danny Caducoy, Juan Hermoso and several others—had an audience with CHR Investigator Jess Cañete yesterday morning and reported to the latter about the cut-off water connections.

They told Cañete that, days before the elections, they were allegedly asked by the camp of the Barangay Chairman Ricky Soreño on who they were supporting for mayor in the elections, and if they were for the opposition, the administration will make it hard for them to avail of basic services, including water connection.

However, Mayor Felix Sy, in his talk with Cañete, asserted that he was not aware of the incident that cut off the water supply to the residents.

Cañete said he will be sending a subpoena to Soreño to answer the accusations hurled against him and will give him the equal opportunity to face his accusers. —(FREEMAN)