Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy today revealed that a number of his constituents who participated in the February 25 protest rally at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Office in Davao City admitted to have been misled into joining the said rally.

In an interview with Gov. Uy, he stressed that at least six individuals from the province of Compostela Valley related to him how they were misled by the militant groups that drove them to suffer traumatic experience not only to them but also to their children in that unfortunate protest.

“We know that some militant leaders were backing up the Barug Katawhan, and we know how these leftists tried to initiate belligerence to get media mileage,” shared Gov. Uy. He continued saying that, “they deceived these people by promising them that if they would come, they could get and bring home (each of them) one sack of rice.”

Deceived protesters’ narrations

Nelson Hernane of Brgy. San Miguel, Compostela town said in his letter that he went to Davao City on February 25, 2012 to check on the resumption of operations of his work. He was unaware that the bus was headed for DSWD.

Rolan Verdejo also of Brgy. San Miguel, on the other hand, said “I went to Davao City to follow-up my Social Security Systems’ number. I did not know we were going to the DSWD.”

Marilyn Hingpit still of San Miguel, recounted that she went to Davao City to follow up a notice for her husband only to find out later that she will be going to the DSWD and conduct a rally.

Jean Montero of Brgy. Ngan, Compostela town also admitted that she was unaware that the purpose of going to Davao was to attend a rally.

On the other hand, Florencia Mejia also of Brgy. Ngan said she joined the trip to Davao to get one sack of rice. I decided to go because I thought that the trip was timing since we also ran out of rice at that time. Our situation is so deplorable since we are out of work.”

The same is true for Jerry Ebale from Bgry. Ngan who was one of those who went to Davao to allegedly get one sack of rice. “I had to join as I am out of work. I took the opportunity to avail of the rice for I really pity my children who have nothing to eat,” Ebale added.

Meanwhile, Edgar Balaga of Brgy. San Roque, Bangaga, Davao Oriental personally went to the DSWD office in Region XI to tell how he was duped by a woman to join the rally.

“It was a Monday. A woman who introduced herself as a member of Barug Katawhan came to our barangay. Her companions were armed. She told us to bring with us two pairs of clothing as we will be going to Davao to swim in the beach. She informed us that we will also be given P150 each and a sack of rice each,” Edgar said.

According to Edgar, over a hundred men and women went with them in a bus.  “When we arrived in Mawab, my companion asked them where in Davao was our destination and the woman responded that we will conduct a rally at the DSWD. Then she told me to shut up or she will shoot me,” Edgar further recounted.

“That moment when DSWD was ransacked, we were ordered by the woman. She told us to go over the gate, get in and get the relief goods or else she will shoot us,” Edgar continued. “Now, I regretted my joining them. I did not gain anything from my participation,” Edgar added.

Edgar said that he only had P20 in his pocket which he budgeted to buy bread.  “We could not also escape easily as we were always watched wherever we go. They were carrying a number of firearms,” Edgar enthused.

“I and my family are also victims of ‘Pablo’ and I will confess that our barangay received relief goods from the DSWD for eight times already. I was also issued a Family Access Card,” Edgar admitted.

Edgar said that he was left behind when the group returned home. He spent the nights at Magsaysay Park.  ### Fe F. Maestre, Public Information Officer, Compostela Valley, Province