The chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in Barangay MV Hechanova, Jaro, Iloilo City has been “missing” since July 4 ,2025, raising concerns among barangay officials and prompting an investigation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) into his alleged misuse of SK funds.

Punong Barangay Nestor Ledesma said the SK chairman, Joshua Jacinto, last reported for duty on July 4 this year.

In August, the barangay discovered a letter left by Jacinto in the barangay hall, stating that he was leaving but offering no reason or date of return.

Ledesma said Jacinto did not submit any formal resignation and is now considered absent without pay.

He added that residents had complained after the SK league was left unfinished following Jacinto’s disappearance.

When the news team visited Jacinto’s home, his parents were reportedly away, but their family driver said Jacinto had blocked his parents on social media and left without notice in July. His belongings were also gone from his room.

Meanwhile, the DILG–Iloilo City launched an investigation into Jacinto’s alleged irregular handling of SK funds.

Records showed that Jacinto withdrew P430,000 from the SK account on August 12, 2024, leaving only around P1,000 in balance.

The DILG noted that the SK chairman himself held the account, instead of the SK treasurer — a clear deviation from standard financial procedures.

As a result, the agency recommended that the barangay council file a Dereliction of Duty complaint against Jacinto before the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and possibly a graft case before the Office of the Ombudsman if fund misuse is proven.

Under Section 18 of Republic Act 10742, or the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015, an SK chair may face administrative sanctions — including dismissal from service — for four consecutive absences in barangay sessions or failure to convene the SK for two consecutive meetings.

The DILG, together with barangay officials and Jacinto’s parents, is set to meet next week to discuss the ongoing investigation and the next steps in the case. IMT