THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the region clarified that the rule of succession would apply in the case of Barangay Datu Abdul Dadia after its elected chairman was killed in an ambush.
Engr. Paul Albert Saquian was shot to death last week in Panabo City before he could take an oath.
In an interview, Alex Roldan, DILG XI regional director, said Sec. 44 of the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic Act 7160 is the applicable provision for the vacant position.
According to Roldan, the number one barangay councilor will assume the chairmanship position.
He also revealed that the mayor must appoint a village councilor to complete the lineup of seven barangay officials.
Sec. 92 of RA 7160 stated that the winning official must first take oath before performing their official duties. The oath-taking means the elected officials accepted the position and promised to carry out the responsibility assigned to them.
Saquian was killed when his car was peppered with bullets by motorcycle-riding gunmen after leaving his home. A P500,000 reward has been offered by Congressman Alan Dujali to those who can pinpoint the perpetrators.
