Mabolo Ygot clan members deny hand in threats

CEBU, Philippines - Members of the Ygot clan in Barangay Mabolo denied any involvement in the threatening letters sent to Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

Three women went to City Hall yesterday to clarify that their names were only used.

Maria Antonietta Ygot Moreno, Sally Ygot and Joy Ygot, all residents of Ygot Compound, San Vicente Ferrer, Barangay Mabolo, said they were shocked with what they read in the newspaper regarding the threat against Rama.

Antonietta stated that she first read the article and showed it to her relatives. One of the letters reportedly came from members of the Ygot Clan in Barangay Mabolo.

“Kaming Ygot (sic) Clan Lapu-Lapu City andam mo-piyansa sa mosukol sa demolisyon diha sa among kaliwat nagpuyo sa likod nga bahin sa Metrobank MJ Cuenco, Mabolo ug kilid sa Tanchan Compound. Among pag-umangkon miyembro sa Abu Sayyaf sa Basilan, usa ka-text namo mo-ari dayon kato sa Sugbo og mamomba sa transportation and government buildings,” read the letter purportedly from Ygot clan members in Lapu-Lapu City.

She then asked Sally and Joy to come with her to see the mayor to clear it out.

Antonietta explained that their clan could not have sent the threats since they are pro-Rama and furthermore they have no ties whatsoever with the mentioned bandit group.

In one letter the senders accused Rama of receiving bribes from the owner of a mall along Colon St. that encroached the three-meter easement zone of the Estero-Parian (Parian Estuary) but has not been demolished.

In another letter the senders told the mayor of their connection to a member of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan whom they said they can just text to come to Cebu to disturb the peace and order.

Meanwhile, Cebu City south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña said the threats by the “Mabolo Creek Boyz”, Igot Clan and “would-be Abu Sayyaf recruits” against Rama are fake.

“Those are fake death threats, but maybe somebody will shoot him, but not Abu Sayyaf,” Osmeña told reporters.

According to Osmeña, the Abu Sayyaf’s cause does not extend to the urban poor.

Osmeña, who also received death threats before, said it is more likely the communist New People’s Army made the threats.  

 “Letters are not a serious threat. It’s so shallow and the Abu Sayyaf is so out,” Osmeña said.

Early reports said that personnel of the Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division and the disaster prevention team were also threatened by the affected settlers.  

SPEED personnel continue to dismantle houses and assist those who have voluntarily dismantled their illegally built structures along the Mahiga Creek. — with Justine Inell Cutamora and Mechievilla Carline Benolerao, USJ-R /BRP