(2nd UPDATE) A barangay tanod in Barangay Tabugon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, has been dismissed after he was found drinking and allegedly involved in a sexual act with a woman who had sought temporary refuge at the barangay hall late Sunday, April 12.
Barangay Captain Ramil Sepida said he only received reports late Monday about a drinking session inside the people’s hall, along with allegations of sexual misconduct involving a woman who had sought refuge at the facility.
He added that a woman in her 30s (name withheld) sought assistance from barangay officials following a dispute with her live-in partner. She was allowed to stay overnight at the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) center near the barangay hall for her safety.
However, Sepida said he was later informed that the tanod, identified as “Vicvic,” was inside the barangay hall despite being off duty, and that the woman was also there instead of at the VAWC center.
The two allegedly consumed alcohol inside the hall, in violation of barangay rules, and were reportedly involved in an intimate act.
Sequence of events
Jinilyn, the mother of the woman’s live-in partner, told Brigada News FM on Tuesday, April 14, that the incident stemmed from a family outing on Sunday.
She said the woman had already been drinking during the outing and insisted on continuing when they returned home, which led to an argument with her partner.
Following the altercation, the woman requested temporary shelter from barangay officials, who accommodated her at the VAWC center.
While staying there, the tanod allegedly joined her, and the two continued drinking inside the hall.
Early Monday morning, April 13, Jinilyn and her son went to the barangay hall to check on the woman. She claimed they saw the tanod putting on his shorts while the woman was allegedly unclothed.
The village chief emphasized that drinking inside the people’s hall is strictly prohibited, noting that such behavior undermines the barangay’s integrity and the facility’s purpose.
He said that the tanod has been dismissed from service and that stricter protocols will be implemented for individuals seeking temporary shelter.
Sepida added that the alleged sexual misconduct will be subject to further investigation by the police and the VAWC Office due to the sensitive nature of the case.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.