Thursday, August 21, 2008 Guiao: Arnedo Park is a freedom park
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Arnedo Park at the Capitol compound is a freedom park.
This was disclosed by Vice Governor Yeng Guiao during Wednesday afternoon's meeting in his office with disgruntled Balas Boys who paid him a "courtesy call" last Tuesday to seek his advice regarding their plight.
During the talk, Guiao said the Provincial Board (PB) has found out through research that Arnedo Park is indeed a freedom park based on a 2006 DILG Memorandum classifying parks as to their nature.
"The memorandum states that if such a park like Arnedo is not included in the list of classified parks, it automatically becomes a freedom park after 60 days from the issuance of the memo," he said.
Guiao added: "Contrary to claims by other sectors, Arnedo Park is a freedom park where peaceful demonstrations could be held."
He said a memorandum regarding this will be released within the week to allay misconceptions and to once and for all settle the nagging question of Arnedo Park's nature, which drew attention when the Balas Boys staged their second protest action last August 11.
The Balas Boys, under threat of dispersal, relocated their "camp" near the park's main entrance along Capitol Boulevard. They said they have decided to stay at their current site even as they await the issuance of the PB resolution.
They said: "We are more visible here and far from being accused of disrupting operations at the Capitol. We will stay here until our appeal is heard. Not even typhoon Karen could disperse us in our quest for the truth." (JTDL)
