Homonhon Island where Magellan first landed in the Philippines in 1521 is generally peaceful. In recent weeks the quiet was shattered when men in battle gear swooped down on its shores in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Their supposed mission: to serve a court “liquidation order” against a licensed, operating mine employing hundreds of locals.
Newspapers reported that about 50 unidentified armed men in civvies landed on Homonhon on Feb. 8, accompanied by a team of policemen. Leading them was one Yan Ming, allegedly the Chinese national complainant in a Taguig City court case against Techiron Resources Inc. Apparently the parties are feuding over control of the Homonhon chromite mine.
The unusual display of firepower terrified the residents of Barangays Canawayon and Casiguran. Doors and windows were shut; classes in schools were disrupted while armed bands roamed the streets.
Hours of tense discussions ensued between the two sides, witnessed by the barangay officials. Unable to present the court sheriff or any authorization to enforce the Taguig court order, Yan Ming and his armed contingent backed down and left the island.
From accounts, it was not the first time that armed civilians and police attempted to “liquidate” the mining firm with no court-appointed rep. Residents noted a similar incident on Jan. 16 forcibly to take over the mine.
But the Feb. 8 trouble so frightened the barrio folk that their officials issued resolutions condemning it. Yan Ming was declared persona non grata, an unwelcome person. He may not set foot in the two barangays without seeking their or the municipal hall’s permission.
The attempted takeover of the mine, whether by civilian, military or police force, was deemed flawed as it endangered surrounding communities. While the mining firm and its executives can defend themselves, villagers unused to seeing gun-wielding strangers are naturally terror-stricken.
The incidents raise questions too. One, why does the Guiuan police allow armed men to enforce a court order without a sheriff? Cops are duty-bound to assist in enforcing valid court orders, but must be accompanied by court-appointed reps. For yet unknown reasons, the Guiuan police aided and provided armed support to unauthorized process servers, not once but twice. Two, why were there unidentified armed civilians with the police? Serving court orders is a job usually reserved to the court sheriff, who deputizes the police and at times National Bureau of Investigation agents. Higher-ups at the Philippine National Police need to look into the incidents.
Three, if the Jan. 16 and Feb. 8 commotions were logged, why is there no investigation at the PNP provincial or regional levels, much more, sanctions against erring personnel? Are they afraid of or protecting someone?
Four, were the armed movements in Homonhon known to the Commission on Elections? With the Comelec-imposed gun ban during the election campaign, did the police check whether their armed civilian companions had Comelec exemptions? Otherwise, they should have been arrested for illegally carrying firearms.
Most importantly, who is Yan Ming? If a Chinese national, how could he act like a general and why is a battalion seemingly under his command? What or who makes the alien so powerful?
The issues need to be resolved fast. Peace-loving Homonhon islanders deserve answers and security. Making things more urgent is that barely two weeks from now, on Mar. 16, Homonhon will commemorate the 498th year of Magellan’s landing. In 1521 the natives were alarmed by the appearance of musket-wielding white men from eerie huge vessels. They must have wondered about the strangers’ intentions, just as today’s villagers are anxious about armed intruders on their shores.
* * *
It’s the ‘70s once more on Mar. 27, 8 p.m., at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. “Hotdog Minus 1,” a tribute concert for band original Rene Garcia, is led by composer-brother Dennis. Plus one very special guest: Boy Camara.
For red hot tickets, call (0917) 7069986 or (0945) 4864399.
* * *
Catch Sapol radio show, Saturdays, 8-10 a.m., DWIZ (882-AM).
Gotcha archives on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jarius-Bondoc/1376602159218459, or The STAR website https://www.philstar.com/columns/134276/gotcha