The Victorias Milling Company justified the filing of charges against 21 Manapla residents, adding that the violent protest led to the disruption of its operations, threatened the peace and safety of the community and its distillery plant employees in Brgy. Purisima in the town.
The VMC filed on Feb. 16 the charges against Roldan Berito, Ronald Deocadiz, Randy Bacaron, Rene Zapa, Ricky Flores, John Barcelona, Richard Gilbaliga, Christina “Porang” Pinion, Aladin Almohia, Donardo Bermejo, Francisco Eleser, Eden Espanola, Dolores Managaytay, Violita Porras, Emma Lawan, Jean Elmission, Michael Piso, Adrian Villaruz, Dyan Gabinio, John Rey Gabinio, and Carl Joseph Zamora.
These residents were documented to have taken part in the protest action that turned violent in its distillery plant in Brgy. Purisima, Manapla, Negros Occidental, the VMC said.
The company said they were charged for Illegal Assemblies (Article 146), Tumultuous Disturbance (Article 153), Unlawful Utterances (Article 154), Alarm and Scandal (Article 155), Serious Illegal Detention (Article 267), Grave Threats (Article 282), and Grave Coercion (Article 286) under the Revised Penal Code.
“We are very much thankful for the prompt, immediate, and efficient response of the local government unit and the police,” the VMC management said in a statement, adding that because of their action, chaos was averted and the further escalation of violence was prevented.
It added that the free flow of trade was also restored, and VMC employees and the community were guaranteed protection in going to and from the area.
VMC assured its employees, partners, and the community that their safety and well-being are its utmost priority.
“We will not hesitate to file charges against anyone who disturbs the peace and security in our plant and community at large,” it warned. — GB
