“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” –Desmond Tutu
Iloilo Provincial Board Member Jeneda Salcedo-Orendain did not use her position to get back at the police who raided her and her relatives’ residences last October 17 in Sara, Iloilo. During the said raid, which was targeted at her father, former Sara Mayor Neptali ‘Tally’ Salcedo, her half-brother Nerio and nephew Nixon were killed.
Police claimed they resisted arrest and attempted to engage in a shootout – allegations the Salcedo family has refuted.
As of this writing, the provincial official has neither lambasted police nor sought higher civilian and Philippine National Police authorities to look into the matter in order to get even, despite such arm-twisting tactics, prevarication, and “waslik poder” being so prevalent in the Philippines’ political hegemony. Had such an incident affected another political clan, those in government office would be taking turns tearing law enforcement member to shreds. Many times, the parents of the politically powerful and influential encourage their children to hit back hard – even invent stories – and use their full might as public officials.
Such huffy and ill-tempered attitudes risk reputation and credibility as the children go on tirades in order to satisfy both their egos and penchant for revenge – this did not happen with the Salcedo family.
Incumbent Sara Mayor Ermelita Salcedo and her husband probably raised their children to be humble and modest. The family, who has since filed a complaint against the raiding team on robbery, illegal search, among other accusations, has opted to allow the legal process reign supreme.
The Salcedos, despite their reputation as “anarchists,” have shown their capability in facing major imbroglio with veritable adherence to the rule of law.
In fairness to the police, led by Iloilo Police Provincial Office director, Police Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba, and Police Regional Office-6 director, Police Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, they welcomed the allegations, saying, they are willing to impose disciplinary action if the accused are found guilty./WDJ