Pepillo: Police and military need to ‘level up’

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following the recent shooting death of Barangay Libas Captain Roy Pagapang of Isabela, which the New People’s Army (NPA) later claimed responsibility, the Negros Occidental-Liga ng mga Barangay (Liga) president yesterday urged police and military to ensure protection for elected officials.

Provincial Liga President Juvy Pepillo, who also serves on the Provincial Board, issued a resolution of condolence, which passed unanimously, for the Isabela barangay official.

Pagapang was shot and killed last Monday.

She said the police and military need to “level up.”

Prior to Pagapang, a former Isabela barangay captain, Agapito ‘Petong’ Euroba of Barangay San Agustin was also shot dead. The NPA also claimed responsibility for the murder.

With regard to proposals to arm barangay captains, the Liga president said it depends on the official’s qualifications.

She added, it also must be determined if there is a need for the barangay captain to be armed./DGB, WDJ