• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Residents of Sicogon Island have denied reports of a hostage-taking incident on June 25, amid long-standing concerns over services, livelihood opportunities, and other benefits tied to the island’s development.
Community groups, including the United Sicogon Livelihood and Tourism Council, rejected claims that resort staff and guests were held hostage following the arrest of Bacolod businessman Dave Sarrosa and four others.
In a statement, Sarrosa’s counsel, Rene Estocapio, said his client had no intention of taking anyone hostage. He explained that some guests and resort staff became frightened and hid, unaware of what was happening at the time.
Estocapio added that Sarrosa was merely calling the attention of authorities to raise concerns about the situation on Sicogon Island.
His legal team emphasized that residents have long complained about poor delivery of services and the lack of livelihood and development-related benefits they were promised.
The dispute stems from a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between Ayala Land Inc. and Sicogon Development Corporation (SIDECO). Sarrosa’s camp identifies him as one of SIDECO’s owners.
Under the agreement, residents were expected to benefit from programs on livelihood, housing, employment, and other forms of support. However, Sarrosa’s camp argued that nearly 16 years after the JVA was established, most of these benefits have yet to be fully realized. | GPB
