Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president and ex-officio board member Ferdinand “Inan” Zaballa is seeking justice and accountability after what was done to him by Narra Mayor Gerandy Danao on the night of May 16 during the awarding and athletic night program at the Panacan Plaza covered court in Barangay Panacan 1, Narra, Palawan.
In several CCTV clips now circulating on social media, Mayor Danao is seen wrapping a wire (not merely a tie wire as earlier reported) around Zaballa’s neck before striking him in the head at the plaza.
The Narra police station recorded the incident in the blotter as a case of “direct assault,” noting in its initial investigation that Zaballa was allegedly attacked by Danao at around 9:30 p.m.
Witnesses told the police that Zaballa was standing with other barangay officials when Danao suddenly approached him from behind without apparent provocation, wrapped a black wire around his neck, and struck him in the head.
These accounts from the police and witnesses appear to corroborate the events captured in the CCTV footage.
The blotter report, a copy of which was obtained by Palawan News, further stated that responding officers attempted to arrest the mayor, but he reportedly left. Zaballa was immediately brought home for safety and care.
In a post on his official Facebook account, Zaballa said the CCTV footage clearly shows the assault, which he stressed should not be ignored, especially since it was done by an elected official.
“Ang paggamit ng dahas ay hindi kailanman katanggap-tanggap. Sa anumang pagkakataon, lalo na sa panig ng isang opisyal, ito ay isang malinaw na paglabag sa tiwala ng taumbayan. Ang kapangyarihan ay hindi pribilehiyo upang manakit, ito ay tungkuling dapat gampanan nang may malasakit, pag-unawa, at dangal,” Zaballa stated.
“Tayo po ay nananawagan ng katarungan at pananagutan. Ito ay hindi laban ng iisa, kundi paninindigan ng lahat na nagnanais ng maayos, ligtas, at makataong pamamahala,” he added.
Zaballa is preparing to file a complaint against Danao for violation of Article 148 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes direct assault against a person in authority or their agent while performing official duties or on the occasion of such performance.
Meanwhile, Danao is reportedly prepared to respond to the allegations.
His spokesperson, Narra’s newly elected vice mayor Jojo Gastanes, said the mayor is set to call a press conference to address the issue.
PCSDS statement of support
In a separate statement, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) strongly condemned the assault on Zaballa, describing it as “reprehensible and appalling” and a blatant violation of the legal and ethical standards expected of any public servant.
“This unprovoked act of aggression is not only reprehensible and appalling, but also a blatant violation of the legal and ethical standards expected of any public servant,” the PCSDS stated.
The PCSDS called on government and law enforcement agencies to urgently and impartially investigate the incident and stressed that no public official is above the law. It also urged leaders, civil servants, and citizens to uphold peace, accountability, and the rule of law.
