Bello blames Kadamay for Nutri Asia violent dispersal
MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III Wednesday blamed urban poor group Kadamay for the violent dispersal of rallyists outside NutriAsia’s factory in Marilao, Bulacan last Monday.
Bello said the protesters who were injured during the dispersal were not employees of the condiments manufacturer.
"Ang nanggugulo diyan ang Kadamay di naman sila empleyado ng NutriAsia (The ones who were causing agitation were from Kadamay and not employees of NutriAsia)," the labor chief said in a chance interview in Malacañang.
Asked if any NutriAsia employee was hurt during the protest, Bello replied: "Walang nareport sa akin (I did not receive such report)."
The violent dispersal of protesters has sparked outrage and has prompted some critics to call for the boycott of NutriAsia's products. The protesters were decrying the supposed refusal of the company to regularize workers.
Human rights group Karapatan and labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno have claimed that about 300 NutriAsia workers were manhandled by the company's security guards and policemen. NutriAsia disputed this, saying the commotion started when someone fired a shot and hurled rocks from the side of rallyists.
Bello expressed optimism the labor row would be settled this week.
"We can go into the process of conciliation because only few issues remain unsettled. It involves 273 workers," he said.
Bello said the company and the workers have yet to reach an agreement on separation pay and wage increases.
"The prospects are very very bright. Anytime now, there will be conciliation," Bello said.
"Anytime this week, it can be resolved." — Alexis Romero
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