Basser Hassan Ekong

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Suhaile Arabi, Basser Hassan Ekong presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. The Punong Barangay is a nationally recognised local government position under the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160).

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, the Punong Barangay leads the Sangguniang Barangay, signs ordinances and resolutions, represents the barangay in transactions with other government units, administers the barangay budget and appropriations, and oversees the Lupong Tagapamayapa that handles amicable settlement of disputes at the barangay level. The office is the most directly accountable elected position in the Philippine government.

Barangay Suhaile Arabi is one of 26 barangays in the municipality of Siocon, in the province of Zamboanga Del Norte, in the Zamboanga Peninsula region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Suhaile Arabi had a population of 2,533 residents — the constituency that Basser serves as Punong Barangay. Zamboanga Del Norte is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Barangay officials in the Philippines are elected during the synchronised Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Basser currently holds office under the mandate established by the October 30, 2023 BSKE. The next BSKE, at which this position will again be contested, is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026.

A Philippine barangay's Sangguniang Barangay is composed of one Punong Barangay, seven Sangguniang Barangay Members (kagawads), a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson representing the youth sector, a Barangay Secretary, and a Barangay Treasurer. Together, these officials administer the smallest unit of Philippine local government and deliver frontline services — from barangay clearance issuance to peace and order, from public health assistance to the barangay's share of the Internal Revenue Allotment.