IF reports were true, well it would be alarming for everyone who unintentionally crosses path with these brusque men said to be bodyguards of Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio “Oyie” Umali.
Unfortunately, our colleague Jun Mestica, a photographer of this tabloid, falls prey to these big headed guys who ganged up on him as he’s parking his car somewhere in Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City early Wednesday morning.
Poor Jun, he’s no match to the arrogant men on board a Mitsubishi Lancer with license plate TOV-418 who took turns in mauling him before they shattered his car’s windshield and left as if nothing happened.
He says the drunken gangsters got incensed because they couldn’t quickly park their vehicle as Jun’s car was blocking theirs. But Jun explains that they wouldn’t have reacted arrogantly and violently since they knew his car was flashing a signal light indicating that another car or a taxi ahead was blocking the way as it’s also looking for a space to park.
Had it not been for some bystanders in the area who came to his rescue, our big looking but soft spoken buddy would have still been in coma at a hospital or the worst of it, he’s gone.
Those who helped him claimed the group was part of the security escort of the provincial governor.
Well, the governor, who recently was slapped with the 18th graft case before the Office of the Ombudsman, and his mob appear to have penchant for harassing members of the media.
Instead of answering the allegations hurled against him, he was said to have threatened the radio stations as well as print editors and reporters that he would sue them for libel for exposing him.
By the way, what happened to the murder cases involving local journalists in the province, namely, tabloid reporter Mark Palacios and dwJJ anchorman Julios Causo who were killed in 2007 and last year, respectively? Up to now, their families have been longing for real justice and they couldn’t get it while the governor remains at the helm.
Keeping the Youth Away from Drugs
Determined to keep the youth away from vices and illegal drugs, the Navotas City government has lined up various activities which they can enjoy on while on school vacation, Mayor John Rey Tiangco says.
Through the local Anti-Drug Abuse Council, the mayor says the ‘Navotaas’ Sports Camp, a year-long sports program, offers free training for basketball, volleyball, swimming, badminton, table tennis and taekwondo.
He says more than 500 students and youth are currently undergoing training at the camp which started as early as March.
The city government is right as it continues with the program eve-ry summer since it has attracting more students and youth to engage in these worthwhile activities rather than getting hooked on vices and illegal drugs.