Guayama District senators demand impartial investigation in Arroyo

Guayama District Sens. Wilmer Reyes Berríos and Rafael Santos Ortiz

By THE STAR STAFF

Sens. Wilmer Reyes Berríos and Rafael Santos Ortiz, both representing Guayama District VI, urged Thursday that the allegations of workplace harassment and sexual harassment filed in the Municipality of Arroyo be addressed through a truly independent investigation, with zero interference and a clear commitment to publicize its results once the process is complete.

The allegations have been reported in some detail by numerous media outlets, generating concern among citizens about the seriousness with which the process will be handled.

“The allegations published by various media outlets are serious and affect public trust in municipal administration,” Reyes Berríos said. “Internal actions are not enough; an impartial investigation is required to guarantee security, transparency, and justice for all parties.”

Both senators, whose district covers 14 towns, including Arroyo, and parts of a 15th, insisted on the need for the municipality to request or allow the intervention of external entities with expertise in the matters in question, such as the Office of the Women’s Advocate, to ensure the correct application of the protocols and avoid any appearance of conflicts of interest.

“The residents of our district deserve to know that this process will be handled with the utmost seriousness,” Santos Ortiz stated. “Once the investigation is complete, a report detailing the findings must be made public, while, of course, adhering to confidentiality regulations. Transparency is not optional; it is an obligation of public service. This is especially true when dealing with allegations that impact the peace of mind and confidence of Arroyo residents, who expect a serious, independent, and pressure-free process.”

The senators, both of whom were elected under the New Progressive Party banner, reiterated that their position does not respond to partisan considerations, but rather to the duty to ensure fair, correct and reliable processes in each municipality of the district and the island.

Arroyo Mayor Eric Bachier Román, who has been in office since 2013, is affiliated with the Popular Democratic Party (PDP). Earlier this week the PDP suspended Bachier Román from his positions within the party after the two aforementioned complaints were filed against him in the municipality, according to local reports.