Transport groups lead protest vs ‘political terrorism’
Transport leaders headed by Nicasio Dalisay and Benjie Clavel (2nd and 3rd from right, respectively) urges the public to support their movement against "political terrorism" during a press conference at Berting Kapehan in La Paz district yesterday.Transport groups under the umbrella of Iloilo City Alliance of Drivers Associations (Icada) and Alliance of Panay Taxi Operators and Drivers Association (Aptoda) will hold a protest action at Plazoleta Gay 4 p.m. today to condemn what it perceives as “political terrorism” happening in the city.
Icada president Nicasio Dalisay, in a press conference at Berting Kapehan in La Paz public market yesterday, said there will be a short program to be highlighted by a candle lighting activity and Jaro Archbishop Msgr. Angel Lagdameo is one of the invited speakers. He also called on public and private vehicles passing by the protest area to honk their horns in support of the call to end the use of “electoral violence” and “political terrorism.”
Dalisay also encouraged the public to wear black shirts or armbands as a show of protest to the series of election-related violence in the city.
Earlier, the transport groups bonding as Ilonggos’ Solidarity for Justice, Peace, and Transportation (ISJPT) issued a statement condemning the series of harassments against the family of City Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The group cited the harassment of Mayor Treñas’ children while conducting relief operation in Brgy. Nabitasan, La Paz, the grenade throwing incident at the family owned Carlo’s Bakeshop, and lately another grenade throwing incident at the Treñas ancestral house.
“One need not be a forensics or criminology expert in order to see a clear pattern in all these acts which blatantly betray respect for law and order. These acts (the harassment of the children of Mayor Treñas, and the series of grenade throwing incidents) clearly constitute the scandalous use of electoral violence. This is precisely political terrorism at its barest form,” the ISJPT statement reads.
Dalisay clarified that they are not pointing at any politician or group as responsible for the so-called political terrorism.
“We are doing this to put an end to the series of incidents happening in our city. We are very afraid, this is happening to the family of Mayor Treñas, it could also happen to any one of us,” Dalisay said.
Aptoda president Benjie Clavel also stressed that no politician is behind their group. He also clarified that their move does not mean that they are supporting the candidacy of Treñas for congressman.
“Wala kami labot sa ila pamulitika, ang amon lang ‘ya nga dapat matawhay ang siyudad ta kay malaw-ay para sa mga negosyante kag investor nga naga-guwa nga magamo ang aton siyudad,” Clavel said.
“First time ini nga magamo ang aton siyudad. Dapat solbaron sang kapulisan ining mga hitabo,” Dalisay said.
Earlier, the Sangguniang Panglungsod passed a resolution denouncing the election-related incidents targeted against Mayor Treñas.
The city council called on authorities to apprehend the culprits and resolve the case.
The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), of which Treñas is the National Chairman, also issued a statement condemning the series of election-related violence in the city.
“We call upon the authorities to swiftly arrest all those implicated to these attacks including those who have been part of the plotting. We further call on any member of the community that may have information on the bombings to come forward so that these “terrorists” may face the full might of the law,” the LCP said.
“We extend our sympathies to those who have been injured and victimized by these attacks. These and all other acts of violence don’t deserve a place in a civilized and peace loving society like the City of Iloilo,” the LCP statement signed by several city mayors ended.
