Friday, October 03, 2008 2 nabbed for destroying Balas protest streamers By Ian Ocampo Flora
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A mad scramble occurred along the picket post of the sacked members of Biyaya A Luluguran at Sisikapan (Balas) here Thursday after four men tried to remove the controversial protest streamers and posters that were reinstalled at the Arnedo Park.
The incident occurred a day after Balas boys reinstalled the protest streamers and posters earlier ordered to be taken down by Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu.
It was learned that the four men tried to remove the streamers around 1 p.m. But they were confronted and chased away by the Balas boys.
Two of the intruders identified as Honorio Madla and Joel Castro were eventually arrested and turned over to the city police here.
Roperlee Syquia, one of the supporters of the sacked Balas members, said the two suspects had admitted that they were allegedly paid P500 each to remove the protest streamers and posters.
He said they had pointed to a former barangay kagawad in Barangay Lourdes here as the one who ordered them to take off the streamers.
"They destroyed some of the streamers, they said they were paid P500 each to do the job," Syquia told this paper's reporter. It was found out that the two suspects are "pedicab" drivers here.
Filologo Rodriguez, Balas former head of operations, said they will file cases against the suspects for violating Balas boys' freedom to express their grievances against the governor.
The protesters said the act was a clear manifestation of harassment and foul play on the part of some of Panlilio supporters.
In a separate interview with Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio, he said he earlier ordered the removal of the streamers because they contained photos and statements that are "malicious and below the belt" and that they lack the necessary permit.
However, Panlilio clarified that he did not order the removal of the said streamers and posters yesterday afternoon.
Panlilio admitted though that there are supporters of his administration who have expressed their willingness to volunteer and remove the said streamers.
"There are people who are getting tired of what the Balas is doing and we have put up with this for quite too long," Panlilio said, adding that he will get into the bottom of the said incident.
Meanwhile, the Balas boys said they will continue their protest actions at the Arnedo Park.
"This only makes us even more determined to see this protest through," Syquia added.
