Kin of slain brgy chief crying for justice
ROXAS CITY – The remains of the late Dante del Mendo, barangay captain of Brgy. Quios in Panitan, Capiz, was already buried but his family is still grieving as authorities have yet to capture any suspect in his killing.
Del Mendo was shot after a commotion occurred during a benefit dance in Sitio Bocboc, Quios, Panitan, Capiz last Feb. 26, 2009.
Other fatalities during the commotion was John Pionelo, 23. Del Mendo suffered a lone but fatal gunshot wound on his breast. He was rushed to the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital but declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. Pionelo also sustained gunshot wounds on his head and hack wounds on the different parts of his body resulting to his instant death.
Brgy. Kagawad Jobert Acuesta said that upon hearing the gunfires, he and Pionelo went to the scene where he saw Del Mendo shot by somebody while Pionilo was also shot upon arrival.
To recall, Del Mendo was a controversial barangay captain after he was meted with 90 days suspension last year by the Panitan Sangguniang Bayan for neglect of duty and abuse of authority.
His accusers were Bgry. Kagawads Acuesta, Orlando Besrosio, Jose Doron, Francisco Pionilo and Ronaldo Hontiveros.
Del Mendo was one of the 13 barangay captains who supported Tincupon Brgy. Captain Richard “Bantit” Dadivas, an opponent of Liga ng mga Barangay President Ignacio Deocampo.
Del Mendo's family has sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to give justice to the slain barangay official.