EVACUEES encamping at the provincial capitol park are challenging Governor Yevgeny Emano to “walk the talk” and help them return to their community at Sitio Camansi, Banglay in Lagonglong town, Misamis Oriental.
Displaced residents were in tears and emotionally called the attention of the governor after the latter ended his weekly message during the flag raising rites on Monday, July 2, in hope that Emano would face them personally.
The evacuees belonging to the Tagtabulon tribe have been longing for Emano to meddle and stand with them after they have fled their homes due to renewed clashes between the military and the communist insurgents.
15 displaced families from Sitio Anahaw, Bantaawan in Gingoog City who have joined the Lagonglong bakwit in their encampment also sought help to stop militarization in their community.
However, the evacuees were upset and dismayed with Emano's answer “Puhon-puhon” (someday) when they told the governor that they wanted to go home.
"Nadismaya ug emotional kaayo mi kay bisan sa kalisod nga gibati namo sa usa na ka bulan ug pila na ka flag raising ang milabay wala gyud moatubang ug nagpakita sa iyang pagtagad si Gov. Bambi," Sariza Acosta, the evacuees' spokesperson, said.
Acosta said Emano's answer “Puhon-puhon” marks an uncertain tomorrow for them.
"Walay klaro iyang tubag kay para sa amo questionable na sad kung hangtod kanus-a man ang iyang giignon nga puhon-puhon," Acosta said.
"Gusto namo singlon iyang pasalig sa media nga andam siya motabang ug unta dili lang istorya taman iya untang seryosohon ug tuman," she added.
Emano, however, has apologized for not meeting the demands of the bakwit to pull out the military in their community or even lift the martial law.
But, he said he would find time to personally face them and assured that all their basic daily needs are provided while staying at the capitol park.
"Pasayloa ako apan buot ko tatawon kaninyo nga adunay mga butang nga akong magahom apan duna poy dili nako magahom. Kung gusto kamo makighinabi mangita kita og panahon apan magprangkahay kita kay lisod nga magpasalig ako sa butang nga dili ko magahom," Emano said.
Emano said he was unable to face the bakwit because his schedules for the past weeks were hectic and tight.
The governor said it never happened that he ignored his people who sought refuge from the provincial government.
"Niaging semana inyo akong gibatikos nganong wala ako makighinabi kaninyo. Wala sukad nga nag-anhi kamo nga wala kamo tabangi. Tugoti ko nga mahan-ay ang akong trabaho sa katawhan sa 424 ka barangays sa lalawigan. Makalaom kamo nga mangita kami sa paagi nga makahatag og higayon kaninyo," Emano said.