Personnel from the office of the Acting Municipal Mayor of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, have allegedly disconnected CCTV cameras and internet wires in key government offices, disrupting operations and raising security concerns.
The incident has prompted local government employees to request immediate intervention from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to ensure their safety and the continuity of their work.
The affected offices include the Treasury, Accounting, and Assessor’s Offices of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kauswagan. According to Christian Merch B. Tomo, Admin Officer IV of the Kauswagan local government, the disconnection of these critical services has severely hindered the employees’ ability to perform their duties.
“The absence of internet and surveillance systems has caused significant operational delays and poses a considerable security risk to our employees,” Tomo stated in a formal letter addressed to CSC Field Office Director II Alona Carumba dated February 14, 2025. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, requesting work-from-home arrangements for affected staff and the relocation of office operations to a safer environment.
“We respectfully request your consideration of granting work-from-home arrangements for the affected employees, as well as the possibility of relocating office operations until the situation is resolved,” Tomo added.
He urged the CSC to address the matter promptly to prevent further disruptions to public service.
It has been reported that since Dimakuta assumed office as acting mayor on January 8, 2025, following the suspension of Mayor Rommel Arnado by the Lanao del Norte provincial government, aside from cutting the CCTV and internet cables, personnel from the acting mayor’s office, along with some police officers, have turned the municipal hall into a “living quarters.” Even their underwear and clothes were seen hanging outside the building’s windows.
There was also an incident of gunfire despite the election gun ban, and it is alleged that Dimakuta’s personnel held hostage some employees of the Mayor’s office.
Even Dimakuta’s cousin threw away food prepared for a Zumba activity organized by the employees without any reason, and the acting mayor, who witnessed the act, did not reprimand him.
As of press time, the Acting Municipal Mayor’s office has not issued a statement regarding the allegations.
The CSC has yet to respond to the request, but local employees are hopeful for a swift resolution to ensure their safety and the uninterrupted delivery of government services. (ZIA LUNA)
