By CESAR JOLITO III
Barangay Handumanan officials have issued an official statement clarifying the controversy circulating on social media regarding the alleged refusal to accommodate out-of-town dancers and designers inside the barangay hall during the recently concluded MassKara Festival.
In its statement titled “Para sa Katawhan kag sa Kamatuoran,” the barangay asserted that the circulating posts claiming the performers were mistreated are “baseless and misleading.”
According to the statement, the incident happened on Monday, October 20, at 10:40 p.m., when several designers and performers — some of whom came with friends who were not officially part of the contingent — arrived at the barangay hall after reportedly coming from a drinking session in Punta Taytay.
Barangay Handumanan explained that the group requested permission to rest and sleep inside the hall. Out of consideration of their situation, the barangay secretary, with the approval of the barangay captain via phone call, allowed them to stay.
However, barangay tanods noticed that a few members of the group appeared intoxicated, leading to a brief commotion when one of the performers argued with a tanod. The matter was quickly resolved after two Sangguniang Kabataan officials and the barangay secretary intervened.
“Wala sila ginpahalin, wala sila ginpabay-an, kag wala sila ginpasipalahan,” the statement emphasized.
The barangay clarified that it was the group’s own decision to leave, stating that they preferred to stay at the residence of a companion named Wilmar.
Barangay tanods recorded the group’s departure, which officials said was done as part of standard operating procedure for safety and accountability, not as an act of insult.
Barangay Handumanan expressed disappointment over what it called “reversed and exaggerated stories” circulating online, painting the barangay as inconsiderate and disrespectful.
“Ang pagpanugid nga ‘gintratar daw sapat’ isa ka mabug-at nga akusasyon nga wala sang hustong basihan,” the statement said.
The barangay emphasized that throughout the dancers’ stay, they were treated well, provided food, coffee, and comfort, and were never disrespected.
Barangay Handumanan also called on the public to practice responsible use of social media, urging everyone to hear both sides before commenting, sharing or reposting information.
“Ang pagpahayag sang kasubo indi dapat mangin rason sang pagpakahuya sa iban, labi na sa mga tawo nga nagbulig kag nagserbisyo sa inyo mismo,” it added.
Officials have already referred the issue to authorities for proper investigation to protect the integrity of the barangay and its officers.
In closing, Barangay Handumanan expressed gratitude to all MassKara designers, performers and volunteers who contributed to the festivities, reiterating their commitment to serve with “kasingkasing, respeto, kag pag-intindi.”
“Ang kahuy-an kag kabutigan indi makaperdi sa amon serbisyo — kundi magapabakod pa sa amon nga magpadayon magserbisyo sing tuman para sa Barangay Handumanan,” it added./CJ, WDJ