Aklan militant leader got his wish, ‘attacker’ faces complaint

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

A militant organization leader in Aklan got his wish this time after the Kalibo police filed a complaint for slight physical injuries against his alleged ‘attacker’.

Police Officer 3 Ephraem Pura, Jr., investigator of Kalibo police station, filed the case against Pablito Cabesilla, Jr. on August 6 before Prosecutor  Ryan Cawaling of the Aklan Prosecutor’s Office.

                                                   GEORGE CALAOR

Cabesilla, Jr., 50, of Purok 2, C. Laserna Street, Kalibo, Aklan was accused by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Aklan chairperson George Calaor, 48, after the former allegedly hit him on the left side of his face on June 24, 2015.

Two witnesses identified as Eddie Bilante and Marry Joy Cristobal, residents of Purok 2, C. Laserna Street, Kalibo, Aklan said the incident happened while they were in a assembly meeting with Calaor for the clean-up drive in the area for the houses destroyed by the recent fire. 

They said Cabesilla suddenly rushed towards Calaor and uttered unsavory words, “ham-an ginbaeabagan mo do Army? Anong eabot mo iya hay bukon ka man taga-iya nga gago ka? Mag-andam ka! May imo gid nga bilat inamo ka! Siga siga ka iya nga gago ka!”

The witnesses said they saw Cabesilla hit Calaor on the face. They also stated in their joint affidavit that Cabesilla attempted to hit Calaor again but Karapatan-Aklan coordinator Nenita Tugna intervened and prevented him from inflicting further injury to Calaor. 

Militant groups also filed a letter-complaint on June 25 to Kalibo mayor William Lachica to conduct impartial investigation on Calaor’s accusations against Cabesilla, a job order personnel of Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in Kalibo, Aklan. 

Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay)-Aklan members said they were surprised and apprehensive of the presence of Philippine Army after Cabesilla announced the clean-up drive in a “rekorida” in the morning of June 24. 

They also expressed reservation to participate since they were pre-occupied with the construction of their houses gutted by fire. 

After consulting with Kadamay-Aklan members, Calaor negotiated with the Philippine Army personnel and clean-up organizer FM radio station Todo Radyo to ‘cool off’ the activity and instead the Kadamay-Aklan will perform the clean-up drive. 

Calaor said the Philippine Army left the area, but, he was “caught offguard” when Cabesilla boxed him in the face during the assembly meeting of affected residents. 

The militant leader was treated at the Aklan provincial hospital for injuries.  

Calaor referred the matter to Barangay Chairman's office but both parties failed to arrive at a settlement.  The Office of Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Poblacion  then issued a Certification to File Action in court against Cabesilla.