Controversial Taloto barangay captain Faro Cabalit was waylaid on his way home Thursday after attending a rally of Pundok Panaghiusa in barangay Poblacion Thursday. Cabalit, however, survived the attack but not after suffering head injuries when the suspect when he was hit with a stone. He sufferated two lacerated injuries in the head. Reacting to the attack, the Pundok Panaghiusa of Baba Yap, Kit Oppus and the rest of their group strongly denounced the cowardly act although the incident is still being investigated by the police. Cabalit is known for his brave objections and exposing corruption and anomalies in City Hall. According to a press release of the Yap camp, whether it was an election-related incident or not, it was an indication that “we need to tighten up our city’s security and increase police visibility”. Tagbilaran’s growth and development is also dependent in our ability to attract potential investors and one of the factors we need to ensure is the stability of our security, it added.

For his part, mayoralty candidate Baba Yap,in an interview, regarding the incident, said “criminal acts do not have a place in good governance. We, at Pundok Panaghiusa, have included in our platform of good governance the establishment of an effective and efficient security program for the city. Our police force needs all the support from the LGU and we need to empower, develop and activate our barangay and purok tanods. That’s one of the reasons as to why we have incorporated in our BABA Caravan of free services the provision of equipment and training for our hard-working tanods. One of the security programs I will immediately implement is to increase the honorarium, benefits and provide insurance for our barangay and purok tanods.”

Recuperating from his head injuries, Cabalit remains undaunted to continue his crusade against corruption and for the cause of Baba Yap, Kit Oppus and the rest of Pundok Panaghiusa. When asked to comment on what happened to him, he said, “The police are investigating the matter now, I am unworried about the incident as I have my strong faith in God that evil has, and never will, triumph over the forces of good! I have my holy rosary inside my pocket every time I go about my sworn duty to serve my constituents. I am thankful to God that I did not sustain grave injuries that could have caused severe physical impairment.”