ILOILO City – The mysterious disappearance of a youth leader in Jaro district has now turned into a full-blown investigation.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Iloilo City further discovered that P430,000 was withdrawn from the Barangay MV Hechanova, Jaro’s Sangguniang Kabataan’s (SK) bank account.
DILG Iloilo City director Oscar Lim confirmed that SK chairman Joshua Jacinto of Barangay MV Hechanova has not reported for duty since July 4, 2024, leaving behind a handwritten note that gave no explanation or indication of when he would return.
“Wala siya nag-file sang resignation, kag indi man naton masiling nga dismissed siya. Wala man ta death certificate, so indi ta man masiling nga patay siya. Ang assumption naton, buhi siya, pero indi lang ma-reach,” Lim said.
Jacinto’s unexplained absence has paralyzed the Barangay MV Hechanova SK’s operations, particularly its financial transactions, as his name remains the only authorized signatory on the council’s bank account.
“Ang acting subong is ang second SK kagawad, pero indi pa siya ma-authorize as signatory sa bangko kay ang signatory pa gihapon amo si SK chairman nga indi ma-contact,” Lim explained.
He added that the SK council must first pass a resolution allowing the acting chairperson to sign documents until Jacinto’s status is settled.
Records obtained by the DILG revealed that P430,000 was withdrawn from the SK fund on August 12, 2024, leaving only around P1,000 in the account.
“May mga disbursements nga wala sang supporting papers. Ang SK treasurer may papel para sa honorarium sang SK kagawad, pero ang iban nga gastos, wala gid,” Lim said, adding that this raised serious accountability issues.
“Ginbasahan ko gid si SK treasurer sang iya role under Republic Act 10742 — siya dapat ang naga-uyat sang cheke kag pondo. Kung may irregularities sa disbursement, madalahig man siya kay ara sa iya ang control,” said Lim.
The DILG has recommended that the barangay council file cases for dereliction of duty and a possible graft complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman once misuse of youth funds is established.
“Ang barangay gani, gina-reconsider nila nga filan kaso para indi maglapta nga daw gina-tolerate lang nila ang sala,” Lim said.
He stressed that accountability should apply even to youth leaders: “Ang kabataan nga naga-serbisyo dapat magpakita sang responsibilidad, indi paglapason ang pagsalig sang pumuluyo.”
Under Republic Act 10742 or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, an SK official may be removed from office for four consecutive unexcused absences from sessions or for failing to convene two consecutive SK meetings — conditions that may soon apply to Jacinto.
Lim said the DILG, barangay officials, SK members, and Jacinto’s parents are set to meet next week to discuss findings and determine further action.
“Our goal is to resolve this fairly, protect public funds, and ensure that SK operations in Barangay Hechanova continue smoothly,” he said./PN
