I’m sure that many of you have heard of the Dela Paz – Pangandaman alleged brawling incident last December 26, 2008 (yes, a mere 1 day after Christmas!) Just in case you haven’t, you may want to read this. You may also want to read Bambee Dela Paz‘s blog entry here – Bambee is the sister of the 14-year old boy who allegedly got mauled, along with his 56-year old father, by Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. and his son Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao.
Apart from the facts that the incident involved a 14-year old boy, government officials and their gun-toting bodyguards and that the younger Pangandaman is a leader of a town in Mindanao of all places (it’s controversial and embarrassing, really, especially since we Mindanaoans want to promote our island as a place with peace-loving people…how ironical, eh?), we have yet to see a solid result of the reported investigation on this matter.
While it’s true that the older Pangandaman has apologized and that the Dela Paz family has rejected the apology (I personally thought that the Pangandaman’s apology was super lame especially since 14-year old Bino’s ear bled after the alleged brawl and that Bino has been traumatized), I’m also very interested to know if the DAR secretary still deserves to be a part of the GRP peace negotiations panel.
Should a secretary who has gun-toting bodyguards, who got involved in a brawling incident over an argument about golfing etiquette and who has a temperamental son be included in a panel that’s supposed to discuss peace and order?
Has the national government reprimanded the secretary and his son? Shouldn’t there be administrative charges filed against the two? What they did was definitely conduct unbecoming of public servants!
Next week, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be in Mindanao. She will travel to several areas in Mindanao for four days and incidentally, she will be in the Lanao del Sur area on January 6. I wonder if she will take that chance to talk to the younger Pangandaman – that if, if she hasn’t yet. Because let’s face it, whether the national government’s PR specialists admit it or not, this incident is really another blow against her administration.
On a personal note, I really hope that the Dela Paz family obtains justice. If only for Bino’s welfare.
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]