Monday, October 06, 2008 Balas boys have new 'protest toys'
CITY OF SAN FERNNADO -- The protesting sacked members of the Biyaya A Luluguran At Sisikapan (Balas) are playing with their new "toys for the big boys" in their bid to heighten and sustain their almost two-month long call for Provincial Administrator Vivian Dabu and Governor Eddie Panlilio to resign.
A Suzuki cab carrier and a new model Ford Explorer, festooned with "Panlilio and Dabu Resign!" streamers and posters and equipped with public address systems, are just two of the tools they use in their newest protest drive they dubbed "Truck Attack."
Both vehicles were loaned to them by their supporters, among them former Bulacan congressman Willie Villarama, Panlilio's campaign ally turned foe.
Former Balas leaders Edu de Leon and Alex Pineda said the objective of their truck attack is to bring to the people's doorsteps their grievances and demands and to create greater awareness, especially in far-flung areas of the province.
According to the two protest leaders, the trucks will make the rounds of the province on a daily schedule. De Leon added that upon reaching their destinations, Balas protesters distribute flyers and leaflets containing their cause, "so that the people will understand more our call."
On Thursday, after the streamer-ripping incident, Pineda said "truck attack" was launched and made its first stop at the Dolores intersection before proceeding to the city proper.
On Friday, De Leon said the truck was driven to Mexico before proceeding to Floridablanca in the afternoon.
Over the weekend, the two vehicles will roam around Magalang and Apalit, they said.
The Balas boys claimed they were given "thumbs up" signs by the people who saw and encountered them along the way. (JTD)
