BACOLOD City – Barangay 16 No. 1 kagawad Erwin Arela is his village’s new chief vice slain Barangay Captain Nelson “Jun-jun” Ligaya Jr.
Arela assumed his new post on Monday. Ligaya was shot outside a beer house in Purok Paloma around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Chief Inspector Sherlock Gabana, public information officer of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said Ligaya was on a drinking binge with friends when he was sprayed with bullets.
Ma. Joy Maredith Madayag, city director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), said it is mandated by the law that, following the resignation or death of a village chief, the No. 1 kagawad automatically assumes the post.
For the vacant position in the Barangay 16 council, the city mayor will appoint a replacement upon the recommendation of the barangay council.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia, however, said he was not yet ready to appoint anyone.
According to Madayag, all that her office can do is assist the family of Ligaya to process his death claim. Other than that, the DILG will leave the investigation of the incident to the Philippine National Police./PN
