By Charissa Luci-Atienza Gabriela Women’s Party has called on the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to penalize barangay officials who abuse their authority following the reported "harassment" of curfew violators in Mexico, Pampanga. Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas (GABRIELA WOMEN'S PARTY / FACEBOOK) Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas strongly condemned the "despicable abuse of authority" committed by a barangay captain identified as Christopher "Bombing" Punzalan, who ordered three persons in Pandacaqui, Mexico, Pampanga on Palm Sunday to kiss each other and do a sexy dance in front of a minor as punishment for violating the curfew. She called on the authorities to look into the incident and check if such practice is being carried out by other barangay officials. "This incident is a clear manifestation that the militarist response of President Rodrigo Duterte to the COVID-19 pandemic spawns macho fascism, discrimination, and violence," Brosas said in a statement. Based on Punzalan's Facebook live video, which was seen by thousands of viewers, the barangay captain ordered two of the violators to kiss each other so they could go home. “In this crisis situation where everyone must stand against all forms of harassment, discrimination, and violence against women and LGBT, there is no space for public officials who choose to bend the law and disregard human rights,” Brosas said. She said the DILG should slap stricter penalties against officials who continue to perpetrate a culture of violence and abuse their authority. "We highly encourage other victims to speak up and demand accountability. Anyone who is willing to seek help may send a message to our official Facebook page," Brosas said.