THE Agdao Multipurpose Cooperative (Agdao Coop) has challenged former members, employees, and interim officials to face them in court following claims that the homegrown financial institution is grappling with internal disputes, including leadership conflicts, compliance issues, and allegations of fund misappropriation, and failure to return money owed to its members.
It can be recalled that on Sunday, March 29, 2025, several former members launched an attack at its office in Obrero, Davao City, damaging several glass doors and other properties inside the building.
Michael John M. Gestopa, general manager of the Agdao Coop, emphasized the cooperative’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting its assets and operations. He assured that the incumbent officers and management are strictly following legal processes and court orders.
“Rest assured that the incumbent officers and management of Agdao Multi-Purpose Cooperative are strictly obeying and abiding by the rule of law and orders of the court,” Gestopa said during his courtesy call at the National Bureau of Investigation-Southern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-Semro) on Monday, March 31.
In response to allegations against AMPC’s leadership, he challenged critics to present solid proof, explaining, "Allegations and accusations against us? Please provide any evidence, file the complaints, and show the public the case against us so that we can respond accordingly,”
Gestopa said, stressing that the cooperative remains steadfast in safeguarding its integrity and legal standing amidst ongoing disputes.
Meanwhile, Lawyer Gibb Cabahug, a cooperative official, addressed the media during a press conference on the same day the concerns regarding the coop's current situation. He attributed the confusion to widespread misinformation and clarified that the cooperative, which has been operational since 1991, remains strong with over 70,000 members.
He stressed the importance of transparency in resolving the issues at hand, highlighting a key issue: a petition filed by terminated employees seeking intervention from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).
He explained that the CDA’s decision is crucial, and for a general assembly to be convened, at least 10 percent of members must support the petition. However, Cabahug claimed that the petitioners lacked proper certification.
“The Agdao Coop’s Board of Directors has not received CDA’s approval for a regional assembly,” Cabahug said. “I could agree if they had evidence, but they have failed to present any,” he said.
Cabahug also addressed concerns regarding employees who went absent without official leave (Awol).
“They were invited to return and continue their service, but they refused,” Cabahug explained.
Financial concerns were also raised during the press conference, specifically citing that funds are not entirely in the bank.
While incumbent officers still have access to loans, approval has become more restrictive. Cabahug stressed that credibility must be supported by evidence, stating, “You cannot have credibility unless you have pieces of evidence.”
He also emphasized that seven out of nine key members reportedly did not participate in financial decision-making, raising further concerns over governance. The cooperative awaits further action from the CDA and investigative bodies as members call for transparency and accountability.
Currently, board members of the cooperative are eager to file charges on around 50 individuals possibly involved in storming the building. Charges would include coercion, physical injury, direct assault, damage to property, and attempted robbery.
Meanwhile, on the side of NBI-Semro Director Archie Albao, the official clarified to Davao media that these individuals may possibly face charges of illegal trespassing since during the incident, they failed to present any legal documents that would justify their actions. Thus, the attempt to storm the building at dawn was deemed illegal.
The lack of proper authorization and their unlawful approach to the situation could also lead to serious legal consequences.
Albao said that, based on the footage captured both inside and outside the premises, the suspects brought tools with them to damage the doors. The incident was only halted when a lawyer representing the cooperative presented a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Court of Appeals on December 17, 2024, along with a petition for a preliminary injunction. Jhayrene Hermoso, DorSU Intern, DEF
