Barangay chairman in Laguna killed for other reasons, not over social amelioration program: PNP

April 15, 2020

Laguna police on Wednesday said a barangay chairman in San Pablo City was killed on Tuesday but not due  to the assistance given by the government's social amelioration program.

Colonel Serafin Fortuno Petalio II, the Laguna provincial director. said: “The information pointing out that the motive behind the incident is related to COVID-19, Social Amelioration Program of the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) and distribution of relief goods is fake news,”

Police said the barangay chairman, Larry Rosales, 57, was killed by a resident of Barangay Sta. Ana in San Pablo City for having an affair with his live-in partner and for the suspect's alleged inclusion in the illegal drugs list.''

Rosales met the suspect, Pablito Hernandez, outside the barangay hall around 10:30 am when Hernandez drew his bolo from his handbag, then chased and hacked the victim.

Rosales was hit in his neck and head and was brought to the hospital where he died while being treated.

Petalio said the suspect was arrested and will be subjected to inquest  while confined at the hospital.

Petalio said social media users seem to be creating fake news such as relating incidents to COVID-19,especially  CCTV footages with captions that can lead to misinformation.

“The more their posts on social media gain views, shares, and likes, the more they would manipulate their incentive structures for their personal interest,” he said.

“We firmly remind the people that the government has warned the public it will impose the maximum penalty not only to those committing crimes against persons but also to any person or group crafting and spreading false information while the country is under a state of calamity,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS