Baricuatro Rejects Claims Linking Her to Enad Suspension

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has denied allegations linking her to the one-year suspension of Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad, saying she had no involvement in the case and warning that attempts are being made to destabilize local governance in the province.

Baricuatro issued the denial in a statement posted on her official Facebook page on Friday, February 6, 2026, after social media posts circulated claiming she played a role in the suspension of Enad.

She said she was compelled to speak out to address what she described as misleading and politically motivated accusations.

The governor said Enad is among her “top performing mayors” and stressed that she had no reason to take any action that would disrupt governance in Cebu.

She emphasized that the suspension of a local chief executive would only negatively affect public service delivery and coordination among local governments.

“I have nothing to do with the suspension of Mayor Rajiv of Minglanilla. Such actions would only disrupt governance,” Baricuatro said.

Enad, along with other Minglanilla municipal officials who served in the previous term, was suspended for one year starting February 2 following a ruling by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman found the officials guilty of “oppression and grave abuse of authority” for allegedly blocking the issuance of business permits and safety plans that had already been approved by national government experts.

The Ombudsman ruling stemmed from complaints filed against the Minglanilla officials, which accused them of unduly delaying or denying permits despite clearances and endorsements from relevant national agencies.

The suspension covers Enad and other officials involved in the questioned actions during the previous term.

Baricuatro said linking her to the Ombudsman decision was baseless and part of a broader effort by her political opponents to create discord among local officials in Cebu.

She warned that spreading such claims could undermine cooperation between the Provincial Government and municipal leaders.

She urged the public, as well as local officials, not to give credence to what she described as “unfounded whispers” circulating on social media platforms.

According to Baricuatro, her administration remains focused on governance, service delivery, and programs aimed at improving the welfare of Cebuanos.

The governor also appealed to mayors across the province to remain united and to avoid being distracted by rumors that could derail governance efforts.

She emphasized that collaboration between the Provincial Government and local government units is essential for development and effective public service.

“The success of the mayors is the success of Cebu,” Baricuatro said, expressing her desire for continued cooperation and unity among local chief executives.

In the same social media post, Baricuatro disclosed that she is currently facing a serious security concern, saying she has received information about an alleged plot to assassinate her.

She cited intelligence reports indicating that a hired killer from Mindanao had allegedly been paid millions of pesos to carry out the attack.

She did not provide specific details about the reported threat, citing security reasons, but said law enforcement agencies are already involved and taking steps to ensure her safety.

Baricuatro appealed for public prayers and cooperation as authorities work to verify the information and pursue those behind the alleged plot.

“If they can’t destroy me, the next move is to kill me,” she said.

The governor said she remains committed to her duties despite the reported threat, stressing that intimidation would not deter her from serving the province.

She reiterated her trust in law enforcement agencies to address the security issue and ensure accountability.

As of this writing, there has been no official statement from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding Baricuatro’s remarks, nor has there been a response from Mayor Enad or his legal counsel on the governor’s denial.

Authorities have also not released further details on the alleged death threat cited by Baricuatro.

The developments come amid heightened political tensions in parts of Cebu, as local leaders navigate administrative cases, governance challenges, and concerns over security and political stability.