Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando himself revealed the threat to his life not out of fear, but in an effort to put some sense into those plotting to kill him by making them understand that he is only doing his job.
The threat allegedly came from a group calling itself the Muslim Peace and Order Council (MPOC), which is chaired by a certain Gulang Amirol Ambiong.
It’s membership, said to be numbering 400,000, are apparently fed up with Fernando’s sidewalk clearing operations.
The MMDA chief, who has yet to check on whether the MPOC really exists, said the agency is simply enforcing laws and putting things in order.
"Di naman tama yun. Nakaharang na nga sila sa kalye, papatay pa sila," he said, hoping to put some sense into his would-be assassins.
He reminded Muslims who left Mindanao to work here in Metro Manila that they are no longer in Mindanao and are therefore governed by laws implemented in the metropolis.
Fernando stressed that MMDA’s drive against illegal vendors and other sidewalk and street obstructions do not discriminate against Muslims.
"Hindi uubra yan, kung sila, nanakbo dito, naghahangad ng katahimikan, huwag nilang guguluhin itong Kamaynilaan," Fernando said. "Hindi pwedeng lahat ng gusto nila magagawa nila at huwag nilang takutin ang mga taga Metro Manila.
He said Ambiong is trying to provoke peace-loving Muslims.
"Huwag mong guluhin itong lugar na ito na iyong tinakbuhan," he said.
Fernando, who recently topped Pulse Asia’s list of popular Cabinet officials of the administration based on an approval rating survey, said Metro Manila is a place where reason and good character prevail.