Team Rama, bry. chiefs condemn in manifesto ambush on Rupinta

Seeking support from their colleagues all over the country, at least 50 barangay officials and some members of Barug Team Rama signed yesterday a manifesto condemning the ambush- slay of Ermita Barangay Captain Felicisimo “Imok” Rupinta.

Philip Zafra, Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president, said they will send the manifesto to the Liga nga mga Barangay sa Pilipinas.

The document was signed by officials of the ABC, new Ermita village Chief Mark Rizaldy Miral, former mayor Michael Rama, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, Councilors Joel Garganera, Raymond Alvin Garcia, Pastor Alcover Jr. and Edu Rama, and other barangay officials identified with Barug Team Rama.

Zafra, who is also Tisa barangay captain, believes that the motive behind the killing is work-related. He also believes that alleged suspects Jimmy Largo and Jordan Gera are not fall guys.

He hopes that the manifesto will lead to the speedy arrest and trial of the perpetrators, including their mastermind.

Efe Rupinta, the late village chief’s daughter, thanked her father’s colleagues for their support.

She remembered her father as a staunch leader who stood against his political rivals, scalawags and suspected drug personalities in Ermita to ensure the welfare of his constituents.

Meanwhile, Rama denied Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s allegations that the opposition is politicizing Rupinta’s death.

He said his group has been with Rupinta, especially when he and his barangay councilors were placed on preventive suspension last February.

A necrological service for Rupinta will be held on Thursday night at the Ermita Sports Complex, where his remains are currently taken for public viewing.

The requiem on the following day, Friday, will be held at 1 p.m. in the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Magallanes St. Rupinta will be buried at the Queen City Memorial Garden. /