Barangay Captain Hits Back at Social Media ‘Smear Campaign’ Over Water Crisis

DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite — A barangay captain in Dasmariñas has pushed back against what he described as a coordinated disinformation campaign targeting him and the city mayor over a water supply shortage affecting several communities.

Barangay Salawag Captain Benjie Toledo said he has no operational authority over PrimeWater, the private utility supplying water to the area, and that his involvement has been purely voluntary.

“I am not in a position to be held responsible for PrimeWater’s shortcomings. I have only been helping using my own money, and the other water trucks I have been requesting and asking from friends,” Toledo said.

Toledo said unnamed individuals have been deliberately spreading damaging content on social media despite what he described as good-faith efforts to assist residents. He maintained that accountability for the water crisis rests with barangay officials holding a direct mandate to address community concerns.

The barangay captain also defended Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga, saying she had already taken action on the water supply problem. He said photos and videos showed ongoing construction and rehabilitation of pumping stations to improve service delivery.

Toledo acknowledged that his own household had experienced water shortages but said remedial measures were being implemented and their effects were beginning to be felt by residents.

He urged the public to exercise caution and avoid sharing unverified information circulating on social media.

Toledo said he was not seeking recognition for his assistance but expressed frustration over what he described as a well-funded campaign against him, Barangay Federation President Arthur Melendres, and Mayor Barzaga.

“I am not asking for anyone’s gratitude because all the help I give is given freely. My question is, why are me, Pres. Arthur Melendres and Mayor Jenny Barzaga always being made into issues, while others remain untouched by these damaging accusations?” Toledo said.

PrimeWater did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The city government has not issued a formal statement on the water supply situation beyond what Toledo described.