Tensions high in Libacao, Aklan, police on alert

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Tension has been high in the ongoing conflict involving families in the mountainous areas of Libacao, Aklan. 

Libacao Vice mayor Charito Navarosa said there is a growing concern in the inter-clan and community based rido related to land conflicts and old grudges in Barangay Luctuga. 

Rido or blood feud is act of vengeance resulting to killing, retaliatory actions and counter retaliatory attacks by members of the disputants’ families. 

Without any intervention, the conflict has brought about serious problems, such as the loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of peace and order in Libacao, Aklan.

Navarosa said some people are reluctant to go out in Barangay Luctuga due to spiking tension and the perceived means of resolving conflict by warring families. 

The barangay is about 15 kms from Barangay Poblacion of Libacao, Aklan, which is 35 kms west of the capital town of Kalibo. 

To be assured of their safety, Navarosa said a 15-man team from Aklan Provincial Public Safety Company was deployed by Aklan Police Provincial Office last Saturday in coordination with a Cafgu detachment of the Philippine Army in Barangay Luctuga.

The insecurity and tension escalated in the area after Anacleto Inggo was killed at about 5 a.m. on July 4 near the Aklan River in Barangay Luctuga.

Police said the unidentified suspects also sprayed bullets into the house of Inggo, wounding his 13-year old daughter. The suspects remain at large.  

Last June 12, a barangay kagawad of Luctuga identified as 46-year old Alberto Asiong was also killed apparently related to land dispute.  The suspect is out of bail, the police said. 

“If there are incidents of this nature will happen in the future, they could immediately report to the local police. The families should refrain from engaging in violence to settle conflict. They should stay out of conflict,” Navarosa added.