The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Central Visayas has launched an inquiry into Dumanjug Mayor Gungun Gica after a viral video showed him physically confronting the father of a cyberpornography victim during a tense encounter on Friday, August 22.
The footage, which the mayor himself posted on social media, quickly racked up over half a million views and thousands of shares. It depicts Gica, visibly angered, making physical contact with the parent while voicing frustration over cybercrime suspects who have allegedly targeted residents of the town.
CHR Central Visayas Director, Atty. Arvin Odron, confirmed that a fact-finding team will be dispatched to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident. “We have to speak with the family, the victims, and eventually with the mayor himself. Due process requires that all sides are heard,” Odron said in a phone interview.
Odron added that if proven, the mayor’s outburst may fall within the scope of a human rights violation, noting that public officials are duty-bound to uphold — not breach — rights protections. “When it involves a state actor, it becomes our responsibility to assess compliance with human rights standards. The government’s role is to protect, not to harm,” he emphasized.
The controversy comes at a time when Gica has been vocal about cracking down on criminal activity in his municipality. Just days earlier, he issued a warning to alleged offenders, urging them to surrender by August 28 or face arrest. In a separate statement, the mayor wrote: “Dili ko mahadlok mahugaw akong kamot, para paglimpyo sa atong lungsod nga Dumanjug” (I will not fear dirtying my hands if it means cleaning up our town of Dumanjug).
While some residents praised Gica for his aggressive stance against criminality, others questioned whether his approach crosses ethical lines. The CHR probe is expected to determine whether the mayor’s fiery brand of governance was an act of resolve — or a violation of the very principles he swore to protect.