Church, lawmakers demand justice for 2 slain village exec

The Diocese of Legazpi and lawmakers in Albay have strongly condemned the killing of two village officials and called on authorities to bring to justice the perpetrators of the crime.

The Diocese of Legazpi through Fr. Rex Paul Arjona, executive director of Social Action Center (SAC), called on the authorities to conduct a full and impartial investigation of the killing of chairwoman Luzviminda "Ida" Dayandante and village treasurer Albert P. Orlina of Barangay Batbat,Guinobatan, Albay.

Arjona said that prior to the killing of Dayandante, she was complaining of being tagged as NPA supporter by unidentified individuals and groups.

"She was punong barangay and also the Barangay Pastoral Council chairprson of Batbat, Guinobatan. Yesterday, she and their barangay treasurer were gunned down by still unidentified assailants," he said.

"Few days before her death, she complained of being red-tagged as an NPA supporter, a charge she denied. We call for a full and impartial investigation of their murders. We pray for justice and peace. Stop the killing. Justice for Kap Ida Dayandante,” Fr. Arjona said.

Former 3rd district Rep. Fernando V. Gonzalez expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Dayandante and Orlina.

"No words can assuage the deep and grieving pain of the families of Luzvìminda Dayandente, punong barangay of Barangay Batbat, Guinobatan and her barangay treasurer. These two heroic women were brutally assasinated while in performance of official duties and functions as barangay officials," Gonzalez said.

"We strongly condemn this dastardly murderous act and await justice with the speedy capture and prosecution of the perpetrators. Our condolence to the husband Javier Dayandante, former punong Barangay of Batbat and family and to the family of the barangay treasurer. We pray the Good Lord grant them both Eternal Rest in his kingdom in heaven," the former lawmaker said.

Similarly, Albay 3rd disitrict Rep. Fernando T. Cabredo also condemned the killing of Dayandante and her treasurer.

"Dayandante of Barangay Batbat, Guinobatan town is a dedicated public servant and my long time friend. I condemn the brutal killing of Kapitana. In this difficult time, we all join her family in their sorrow and in their quest for justice," Cabredo said.

Dayandante and Orlina were gunned down on Monday, Sept 21 at around 3:45 PM at Sitio Gumian, Barangay Sinungtan, Guinobatan, Albay. Their killing coincided with the 48th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by dictator, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos.