The community of Dasmariñas City, Cavite, was rocked by a violent and tragic incident that claimed the lives of three barangay officials during a routine Monday morning flag-raising ceremony.
Tragedy in Salitran
The attack occurred last May 26, 2025, at the Barangay Hall of Salitran III, where a former barangay tanod, identified as 50-year-old Ariel, opened fire on local officials. Killed in the shooting were Barangay Chairman Raul Atarde Ballos, Councilor Jose Lagones, and Councilor Marvin Cañete. An SK secretary, Christine Joseph Bonus, was critically injured and remains in serious condition.
Initial investigations point to personal grievances as the motive. Ariel, reportedly suffering from diabetes, had been dismissed from his duties due to health-related concerns. Tensions appear to have escalated after he was told he would not receive his salary following his dismissal—a perceived injustice that may have triggered the deadly attack.
Police have launched a full investigation, and the community is reeling from the loss of leaders known for their service.
More Than A Crime
This tragedy is more than just a crime—it’s a wake-up call. While the motive may not be directly political, the violence occurred in a politically sensitive post-election climate. It highlights how unresolved grievances and lapses in institutional support, be it for mental health, employment mediation, or conflict resolution, can spiral into violence.
It also exposes vulnerabilities in local governance where frontline officials are often accessible but underprotected. As Dasmariñas mourns, the broader challenge becomes clear: how do we ensure that communities, especially at the barangay level, are not only led well but also kept safe from both external and internal threats?
This incident demands a deeper look at how local governments support their personnel before tensions turn tragic.
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