Subic drama: An oust-petition and hopes for settlement

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A signature campaign asking the Brent International School here to remove from its board of trustees an American aviation specialist who recently figured in fisticuffs with a parent of two grade schoolers, is now making the rounds of this freeport community. At the same time, common friends are hoping for an amicable settlement.

The subject of the petition is Curtis Perry, 51, who is now facing a case of attempted homicide which Eduardo Prieto filed with the Olongapo City prosecutor’s office.

Prieto claimed that Perry assaulted him outside the Vasco’s Nautical Pub on the night of Dec. 17 after an exchange of heated words. Perry, however, has maintained his innocence on the charges.

Prieto’s supporters said they have so far gathered 257 signatures.

Asked about this, Perry said there could not be that much number of students enrolled at Brent Subic who signed the petition.

"We have secured signatures not only from within the school but also from reputable people in the business and residential communities," one of Prieto’s supporters said.

Reportedly among the signatories who maintain second homes here were Mercy Tuazon, the Zobels, the Tantocos of Royal Subic, Winnie Monsod, Rosanna Tuazon-Fores and members of the Taiwanese and Italian communities here as well as divers and pilots.

Perry has denied Prieto’s allegations, claiming that it was Prieto who first attacked him and provoked the fight.

"We have to learn to get along with each other. If you are mad at schools, you just don’t go out and try to beat people," Perry said.

He said Prieto became "unreasonably mad" at him because Prieto’s wife Joanne has been at odds with the school’s board over some administrative policies.

At one time, he said she questioned the school curriculum "while at the same time tutoring children who were formerly from Brent."

Somebody close to the Prietos belied this. "But it was the parents who decided to withdraw their children from Brent. Maybe they believe that having Joanne tutor their kids in a home study program will improve their education. She didn’t force them to enroll with her."

It was not clear if Perry would file a counter-complaint against Prieto or not. He, however, hinted that he is "looking at the possibility of an out-of-court settlement."

"Since it is not clear who provoked who or who first hit who, I think Perry, being the foreigner, would like to settle this quickly," one of his friends said.

The petition against Perry partly reads: "Due to recent inappropriate public behavior, the undersigned believe that Curtis J. Perry does not represent the best interest of Brent International School Subic and the local community. We hereby demand his removal from the respected and privileged position on the Brent board of trustees."

The petitioners denounced violence, saying it is "not the only solution to any problem."

They described Prieto as a "member of good standing of the Philippine society" and said they have a "high regard" for his "integrity and personality."

"We are sure you are aware that actions such as these are not permitted and practiced in the Philippines. If this act happened in the US, we are sure you know the legal implications this would entail," the petition further states.

The Brent board of trustees, who reportedly has had a record of unanimous decisions on any controversial issue concerning school policies, has opted to maintain its silence pending receipt of the petition.

But when pressed for comment, the board e-mailed this statement to this reporter: "The school has not received said petition that is reportedly being circulated. As such, the school is not in a position to make any comment or statement on the matter."

A Prieto supporter said they intend to gather more signatures before they submit the petition to the Brent board of trustees.

Overheard telling a common friend of Prieto and Perry, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Felicito Payumo said, "That was very unfortunate. I wish the problem will be resolved soon."

"Subic is a closely knit community and we are doing a lot of things for the people living and working here, for them to enjoy the quality of life in Subic," he was quoted as saying.