Jomara Agri Foods Breaks Silence on Minglanilla Officials' Suspension
The company behind the complaint that led to the suspension of 12 Minglanilla officials has finally spoken out publicly. Jomara Agri Foods and Supply Corp. asserts that its legal battle is not merely about private business interests but centers on due process, accountability of leaders, and the protection of local residents' safety.
One-Year Preventive Suspension Ordered by Ombudsman
On February 2, 2026, the Office of the Ombudsman imposed a one-year preventive suspension on Mayor Rajiv Enad, Vice Mayor Lani Peña, and 10 municipal councilors, all of whom served during the 2022-2025 term. This decisive action was prompted by Jomara's complaint regarding the handling of business permits by the town officials and significant safety concerns in Sitio Napo, Barangay Guindarohan, where deep ground cracks have sparked serious fears of potential landslides.
Jomara Emphasizes Broader Public Interest
In a public statement released on Sunday, February 22, 2026, Jomara addressed online claims and urged the public to consider the full legal and factual context of the case, rather than reducing it to one-sided narratives. The company respectfully noted that some public discourse frames the Ombudsman's decision as involving purely private interests, a characterization that overlooks the broader considerations at stake.
Jomara received a copy of the Ombudsman's ruling on February 12, 2026, but waited to speak publicly until fully reviewing the decision, following legal advice. The company is still awaiting the Ombudsman's final ruling on separate criminal complaints filed against the local leaders.
Mayor Enad Denies Wrongdoing and Legal Challenges Ahead
In an earlier report, Mayor Enad strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating that the officials' decisions were motivated by a desire to protect public safety. He has announced plans to challenge the suspension through legal remedies, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle.
Temporary Leadership and Community Impact
With the suspended officials stepping aside, new leaders have assumed temporary roles to keep the town operational. Following the legal succession plan, First Councilor Lheslen Enad, the mayor's wife, has taken over as acting mayor, while Councilor Mulot Laput is serving as acting vice mayor. The council seats vacated by the suspended officials may remain unfilled unless replaced under legal procedures, leaving residents and business owners in a state of uncertainty as they await the outcome of this high-stakes case, hoping for a resolution that ensures both fairness and community safety.
