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Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Gayotin asks warring frats to stay away from parade
Not joining the Sinulog parade is the ultimate sacrifice the Alpha Kappa Rho (Akrho) could do to prevent clashes with its rival fraternity, Acting Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Melvin Gayotin said yesterday.
Gayotin issued the statement following another incident that broke out between Akrho and its long-time rival Tau Gamma Phi fraternity during the Sinulog grand parade last Sunday afternoon.
“Wala na gyud ko malingaw ana nila. It (causing trouble) has become a tradition already. One offense is acceptable, but it has become a habit already,” Gayotin said.
Last year, the warring fraternities also clashed when suspected Tau Gamma members allegedly threw objects at the contingent of Akrho.
Clash
Akrho teamed up with Landonian tribe for their number. When they passed by the Iglesia Ni Cristo along Gen. Maxilom Ave., Tau Gamma members allegedly threw objects at them.
In last Sunday’s incident, police, however, could not determine which fraternity triggered the trouble because both groups accused each other of first throwing water bottles.
Gayotin said that for several years now, he has been recommending to the Sinulog Foundation not to let Akrho join the festivities. The foundation, however, never heeded his recommendation.
He added the foundation knew of his stand against the presence of the two fraternities during Sinulog. The foundation, however, always has the final decision, he said.
Akrho regional president Richard Buscaino, in an interview over radio dyLA, said Tau Gamma members threw water bottles at them but his members never retaliated.
He added it would be unfair if Akrho would be banned from joining the Sinulog festivities in the future because it is their way of showing their devotion and paying respect to the Señor Sto. Niño.
A Tau Gamma official, who spoke on anonymity, shared Buscaino’s opinion.
He said he is against banning both fraternities during Sinulog.
“But technically, what is there to ban? Tau Gamma has never joined the grand parade,” he said.
The official, however, agreed with Gayotin’s suggestion for a “cool off period” or a ceasefire not only during Sinulog but at all times, so the negotiation being initiated by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and the police authorities will be fruitful.
Disrespect
Gayotin, however, said the trouble created by the two fraternities during Sinulog festivities does not speak well of their respective organizations and instead “showing disrespect to Sr. Sto. Niño.”
“The way I see it, the troubles they have created affected the Cebuano characteristics. If they are really sincere in giving respect and devotion to the Sto. Niño, then they can go to the Basilica and walk on their knees from the entrance door of the church to the altar,” Gayotin said.
Gayotin also echoed the earlier suggestion of Acting Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Vicente Loot for both fraternities to redirect their aggressiveness into productive activities like sports. (JST)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (January 17, 2006 issue)
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