Friday, October 06, 2006
Chamber condemns killings, other violent acts in city
THE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. headed by lawyer Bienvenido Cariaga Thursday condemned senseless killings and other acts of violence committed by unidentified armed men in the city.
In a press statement, the chamber called for an end to violent crimes, some of them committed against members of the business community.
In early September, two banana-packing houses were burned to the ground and seven hectares of bananas were chopped down by lawless elements believed to be members of the New People's Army (NPA), it said.
The chamber statement said damage brought about by the incident is "incalculable both to Philippine Fresh Fruits and the 250 or so workers employed by them."
"Due to financial losses, the company has to slow down its operations at the said area and will be laying off workers whose main source of livelihood comes from working at the plantations," it said.
An unidentified man also gunned down a contractual laborer in front of the premises of his employer last September 18.
"These send a strong message of violence, injustice, and clear violation of human rights, it said. "On a larger financial scale, these events have foiled future developments in the city. It discourages future plans of investors to continually invest or expand their operations here."
The statement added, "This is such a regrettable occurrence as the Davao City Chamber has always promoted Davao City and Mindanao as a safe haven both for tourists and investors."
The chamber believes these acts of harassment, lawlessness, and banditry has no place in civil society and calls on the local government leaders to address these injustices, to continually work for creating an environment conducive to investments, employment, peace and order, and sustainable development.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (October 6, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
