Tension fills Cordova protest

CEBU, Philippines - Tension flared when enforcers from Cordova town allegedly blocked at least 50 fishermen who trooped to the municipal hall yesterday morning to protest the reclamation project.

Members of the Panaghugpong sa mga Mananagat sa Timog-Amihanang Cordova supported by the Panaghupong sa mga Gagmayng Mananagat sa Sugbo assembled at the gasoline station in Barangay Pilipog and marched towards the municipal hall.

Upon arrival at the junction of the road leading to the municipal hall, a heated argument ensued between officials of the fishermen’s group and Cordova traffic enforcers who blocked their way.

A police patrol car and trisikads blocked them prompting Panaghupong sa mga Gagmayng Mananagat sa Sugbo chairperson, Cirilo Pagobo, to confront traffic agent Allan Alcordo.

The timely arrival of Cordova Police Chief Alexander Vallo prevented the conflict from escalating.

Vallo told reporters that he allowed the group to hold a short rally in front of the municipal hall despite their failure to present a permit.

“Gitugutan lang nato sila nga makapaduol sa atubangan sa munisipyo apan ato lang sila gitagaan og panahon nga makapaabot sa ilang hunahuna, (We allowed them to go near the municipal hall but we only gave them time to air their views.)” Vallo said.

Alcordo said their intention was not to block the protesters but to determine first if they have a permit to conduct their rally.

Pagobo, on the other hand, said they criticized Alcordo’s actuation as he tried to block their progress towards the municipal hall.

He added that they only want to air their opposition against the reclamation project because it will affect them.

Municipal Councilor Leonel Pogoy, chairman of the Committee on Environment, said they followed all the requirements in implementing the reclamation project.

Pogoy said the fishermen in the town were properly consulted before the implementation of the project started.

The municipal councilor said that some of those who attended yesterday’s rally were not from Cordova town.  (FREEMAN)