Vice Mayor of Dumanjug publicly backs brother's actions, receives support from followers on various social media platforms.
In the small town of Dumanjug, a viral video has sparked controversy and prompted an investigation by the Commission on Human Rights in Central Visayas (CHR 7). The video, posted by Mayor Efren Guntrano "Gungun" Gica on his social media page, shows the mayor striking the father of a cyberpornography victim.
The incident has garnered over 509,000 views and 4,300 shares, with many netizens voicing their support for Mayor Gungun on his Facebook page. Some users defended the mayor's actions, with one comment in Cebuano reading, "What you did was right, mayor - it might put a stop to others who keep doing wrong."
Vice Mayor Erwin Gica has defended Mayor Gungun, stating that his actions were driven by instinct and paternal outrage, not abuse of power. Vice Mayor Gica expressed full support for the CHR's ongoing inquiry and urged the public, the media, and investigators to view the incident from a broader perspective of human decency, parental instinct, and the sanctity of family.
The CHR 7 will dispatch a team of investigators to verify the incident. If the allegations are found to be true, the CHR will act accordingly, given its mandate to ensure government officials uphold human rights standards. The name of the person to be investigated is not provided.
Despite the controversy, some users have praised Mayor Gungun's actions, with one stating, "Keep it up, Mayor Gungun, for a peaceful Dumanjug. We are on your side when it comes to peace and order." Vice Mayor Gica has also stressed that Mayor Gungun has served the town with "honest leadership and compassion" and that his track record should not be dismissed because of the incident.
Vice Mayor Gica and Mayor Gungun stand united and have expressed full support for each other. However, not everyone is supportive of the CHR's prompt reaction. One critic said, "The CHR is quick to react to incidents like that, but if the mayor hadn't done what he did, I doubt they would even know what really happened."
The probe will include seeking statements from the victim's family, the victims themselves, and the mayor. Due process will be observed throughout the investigation, as stated by CHR 7 Director Arvin Odron. The outcome of the investigation is eagerly awaited by the people of Dumanjug as they watch this unfolding event with bated breath.
