ILOILO — Former Iloilo assemblyman Salvador “Buddy” Britanico, a veteran political figure whose family became a symbol of the fight against alleged extrajudicial killings, has died at the age of 88 on April 3, marking the end of a life that spanned public service and a deeply personal quest for justice.
The passing of Britanico, a native of Miag-ao, Iloilo, was confirmed by his son Bud Britanico in a Facebook post.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Papa, Lolo, Uncle, Congressman, Assemblyman…after a long and difficult illness,” part of Bud’s announcement read.
“For now, we ask that you please keep him in your prayers and hold him in your hearts with us,” he added.
Britanico served as assemblyman during the administration of President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and later represented the Barangay Association for National Advancement and Transparency (Banat) party-list, leaving a legacy rooted in both governance and advocacy.
His later years, however, drew national attention following the killing of his youngest son, Delfin, along Iloilo River Boulevard in Barangay Nabitasan, La Paz district, on January 19, 2020, during the height of the Duterte Administration’s anti-drug campaign.
The elder Britanico personally pursued charges against several police officers, citing a policeman’s statement that Delfin was a collateral casualty of an antidrug operation targeting suspect Alain Muller in Jaro district just minutes earlier.
“Ultimately, we want those who participated in his murder, as well as that of Alain Muller of Jaro district, to be held accountable. And it’s not just about my son — there were other victims of extrajudicial killings in Iloilo, yet until now, there is no resolution. Justice must be served,” Britanico said at that time.
He also criticized what he described as a reward-driven system that fueled killings during the Duterte Administration.
“Many police officers were drawn to the rewards. Suspects were killed on sight — no questions asked, no investigations. They were not even given the chance to surrender,” Britanico lamented.
According to Britanico, the death of his son exposed the extent of extrajudicial killings in Iloilo City and province at the time, pushing him into the forefront of calls for accountability.
He further cited former President Rodrigo Duterte’s testimony before a Senate committee, where the latter admitted ordering the drug war killings and taking responsibility for police actions.
Wake arrangements for Britanico have been set for April 8 to 9 at Heritage Park in Taguig City, followed by April 10 at the Justice Ramon Britanico Cultural Hall in Miag-ao, Iloilo.
A memorial mass will be held on April 11 at the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish, also known as Miag-ao Church./PN
