BALANGA City: Bataan officials on Monday asked for justice for workers affected by the raid of law enforcement agencies led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission on a Malaysian firm in Bagac town last October 31, for being suspected as a POGO hub.
They also demanded transparency and expressed the hope that due process and proper investigation will restore Bataan’s reputation as a province known for peace and order and development.
“Nais nating makamit ang hustiya para sa ating mga kababayang lubhang naapektuhan ng isinagawang raid, lalo na at magpahanggang ngayon ay wala pa ring malinaw na kasong isinasampa laban sa kanilang kumpanya, na maaari sanang magpatunay na may krimen o illegal na gawaing nangyayari sa Central One Bataan PH,” Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia 3rd said.
Central One Bataan is a Malaysian firm licensed by the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan as a business process outsourcing.
Representative Albert “Abet” Garcia of Bataan’s second district delivered a privilege speech in congress Monday for the alleged “unprofessional and unacceptable” behavior by some members of the raiding team.
He expressed alarm over reports of abuse on workers and the raid’s impact on the province.
Cong. Abet emphasized the importance of respect for the rights of workers. “Mahalaga ang pagpapatupad ng tama, makatao at wastong pamamaraan ng operasyon bilang matuwid na ahensiya ng pamahalaan.”
Congresswoman Maria Angela Garcia voiced the same concerns of her two brothers, saying that the raid created restlessness among workers and residents. “As a representative of Bataan’s third district, I am greatly concerned about the repercussions of the raid conducted under a human trafficking search warrant.”
The lady solon noted that despite claims, no case has been filed against Central One while evidence of maltreatment of workers has surfaced. “It’s disheartening to see the abuse and lack of respect endured by our fellow citizens. Beyond this, thousands are now without jobs and face an uncertain future,” she said.
She described the raid as a highly questionable operation that tarnished the image of the province.
Meanwhile, a 54-year old aircon technician of Central One Bataan filed Monday at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office here a case for Slander by Deed against Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission director Winston Casio.
The technician complained that Casio slapped him during the raid.
Lawyer Keziah Sioson said the case was for Slander by Deed because of director Casio’s act of slapping the worker for three times. “Hindi naman siguro part iyon ng trabaho nila na manampal. Iyon naman ang ikinasasama ng loob ng complainant.” (30)
