The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office Cordillera Administration is deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely death of one of its community development workers in the Province of Abra.

Mr. John Paul Barbero, 29, a well-loved and hardworking community facilitator of the Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) Project of the DSWD-CAR, was killed on Tuesday, 28th of May 2013, while at his partner’s residence in Villaviciosa, Abra.

We sympathize and respect the pains of both parties involved in the incident. We hope that the parties remain calm and that they fully cooperate on the investigation conducted by authorities in Abra.

We are also saddened, however, by the insensitive and careless reportage initially made by some media outfits that created unfair speculations and accusations among the public on the details of his passing.

With these, we appeal for sensitivity and compassion especially from the public and the media to stop speculating and commenting on the matter which might impinge on the ongoing investigation about the incident.

We condole with the family of John Paul, who at this point needs our prayers and support.

We also pray for the immediate resolution of the investigation to give light and serve justice for all parties.

LEONARDO C. REYNOSO

Regional Director