THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Misamis Oriental has launched an investigation into the controversial burial of documents at the site of the new Initao Provincial Jail.
On July 9, a committee hearing was held, led by the Committee on Peace and Order chaired by Board Member Dexter Yasay.
During the hearing, Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail Department Head Roy Bahian admitted he was aware the documents were to be buried at the site.
Bahian said the burial took place on June 24 at 11 am. The documents were later unearthed on July 2 by Gov. Juliette Uy, with Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Angel Lim present.
“Dili man ko pwede mubalibad kay dili man ‘na akoang property, it’s owned by the provincial government,” Bahian said, defending his decision.
The documents were previously deemed without value by the legal team of former Gov. Peter Unabia. They reportedly originated from the Human Resource Office.
Lawyer Jocelyn Matteo-Lood, head of the HR department, confirmed during the hearing that the documents included only official receipts, drafts, and scrap paper.
“Basically, scratch papers from the office,” Matteo-Lood said.
Yasay asked Lim why the burial appeared suspicious on social media.
Lim denied suggesting anything improper.
“I was not insinuating in my interviews. It’s just precautionary,” Lim said, explaining that he was concerned the documents might still have value.
Lim added that the documents would continue to be reviewed, and if determined to be without value, they would be disposed of properly in accordance with the Local Government Code.
