Students complain after rallyists “blocked” them from school

CEBU, Philippines - Due to the ongoing protest by a number of employees of the University of San Carlos-Talamban Campus, some of the students of the school complained that they were barred by demonstrators from entering the school premises yesterday morning.

One student who did not want to be named complained that two rallyists blocked them and told them to use the other gate. However, when they reached the gate, another two told them to proceed to the other gate.

“Pag-adto namo ngadto gitudlo mi nila sa pikas gate. Pag-abot namo sa pikas gate gitudlo pud mi nila sa pikas. Asa man gyud diay mi ani?” she asked.

Jovelito Contratista, president of the demonstrators, said he instructed the rallyists not to block anyone nor hurt anybody.

“Mihangyo ra mi nila nga mosuporta sa amoa, wala man namo sila gipugos,” he said.

He also denied the accusations that they blocked the students and other employees.

But Senior Inspector Bienvenido Mira, station commander of Talamban Police Station, said that two persons came to his office to report that their respective vehicles were blocked by the rallyists yesterday morning.

Contratista said that they are willing to stop their protest once the school officials grant their request of additional compensation.

“Mga tigulang name sir, lisod na kaayo ipangita og trabaho, hinaut unta nga magka istorya gyud mi nila para sa among hangyo”, he said.

A statement sent by the school to The Freeman regarding the issue said that it respects the rallyists but is saddened by their actions.

“It is unfortunate their actions today have reportedly hurt some people, and that as we learned many have been harassed,” the statement reads, adding, “we emphasize that we respect that the 12 would express their issues, as it is their human right. But again it is not right, in fact it is illegal, for them to prevent the ingress and egress of employees, students and visitors,” said USC in their statement.

Last month, at least 16 employees of the General Services Office of USC-TC held a protest outside the campus after the school decided to close their office as part of the long-range cost-cutting measure that the school is implementing. — (FREEMAN)