March to Batasan dubbed a 'hakot'

LINGAYEN-The provincial police are on alert amidst persistent reports that some influential persons in Pangasinan aligned with the opposition are recruiting people to join the planned march to the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City.

Senior Superintendent Mario Sandiego, police provincial director told The PUNCH that he has received reports from concerned private citizens and media persons that the group identified with the Fernando Poe Jr. for President Movement has started mobilizing people for the march to Congress “to air their grievances” over the conduct of the recent elections. He said he has instructed his police chiefs to validate this report in their respective areas.

Each person reportedly being recruited is being promised P1,000 if he joins the march from Urdaneta City, the starting point, to Tarlac; another P1,000 from Tarlac to the North Luzon Expressway; P1,000 from North Luzon Expressway to Bonifacio monument in Caloocan City and finally, P2,000 from Caloocan City to Batasan Complex.

One re-elected mayor from the third district of Pangasinan who requested anonymity told The PUNCH that he has received the same information. He said based on initial reports gathered, most are being recruited come from Malasiqui, San Carlos City, and Urdaneta City.

He said the march was supposed to start last Tuesday but was postponed due to the bad weather. The group reportedly targets to arrive in Batasan by June 12. There will be free food provisions and there’s no limit as to the number of participants willing to join for a fee, he added.

 Sandiego said they are discouraging the people to participate because of the reported destabilization plots now being hatched by disgruntled groups.

“Kung sasama sila dahil sa pera, mababaw na motibo yan (If they join because of money, that’s a shallow motive),” Sandiego said.

He said he believes this could not be the handiwork of religious groups because they are known to participate in such moves only for a deeper reason and don’t accept fees.

Sandiego suggested that  it would be  better for those who want to air their grievances to just do it in their local plazas and get the necessary permits. “We can even protect them here,” he added.

He warned that there might be a third force who might take advantage of the situation.

He warned the participants against carrying deadly weapons because they will be checked at  checkpoints and  arrested.

The police are now verifying reports that a big political personality is  be behind this march to Batasan because of the huge financial resources being committed for the march. —ECV

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