An ‘untouchable’

BULL’S HIT
Rudy Garcia

I am now starting to believe that this known political figure is really untouchable not only in the Baguio but in Benguet. This former Baguio councilor proved to have strong connections when a land dispute involving his family and the De Castro family started to blow.

Some documents that were unearthed at the Bureau of Lands are not that convincing and apparently in question. The seemingly delaying tactics of the top honchos at the Land Bureau to implement an official survey to determine actual land area boundaries adds to suspicion that this reported landgrabber has insiders at the BOL. It is also a wonder why some municipal officials and policemen of Tuba, Benguet seem to be afraid in crossing the path of this “untouchable” who is a brother of a Baguio councilor who heads a clean and green movement.

Funny but this man wants to show he is above the law when he acted in defiance of an administrative order stopping him from continuing construction of a structure and a fence at the said area of dispute in Camp 6, Tuba without first securing permits.

The De Castro family who were the complainants felt they were at the losing end when municipal officials could did nothing to implement their own order and the policemen refused to enforce the same. Maybe, this untouchable has some plans in mind, reason why he is moving heaven and earth just to have this part of the mountain along Kennon Road near the toll way.

If reports are true that some foreigners are seen in the area and perceived to be the financers, then there could be something going on that need to be investigated. Could he have something to do with the mining activity dispute at Camp 6 and Camp 4? We leave that question to the municipal officials, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and barangay officials of Camp 6 and Camp 4.
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As we speak of mining and the tragedy, the fate of Mankayan Benguet comes flashing into my mind. As we review the Mining Act, I can not help but wonder why this should happen. Perhaps it is a wake up call for some officials who are looking the other way around.

At Camp 6 in Tuba, a certain Dap-ing is reportedly doing pocket mining in the area unhampered. You could even see his grinding or milling machine right at the side of Kennon Road several stones away from the main sitio. Sacks of several stones ready to be milled are seen stock piled.

People are carrying sacks on their shoulders walking at the mountain trails, a normal sight. You can ask to any residents there or these people who and where they are bringing those sacks they carry, and where were these coming from. I guess they will answer you forthright “sa usok, dadalhin kay Dap-ing.”
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There were political figures but no political speeches. Political parties were out in the cold, neither badmouthing enemies nor praising allies. There were lots of showbiz personalities but they set aside their vanity and were there paying their love and respect at the wake for a good mother and a leader who passed away after a long battle with colon cancer.

Yes, people really love this former president who made the Philippines a great nation of true democracy who like her late husband left a legacy to this country. Perhaps her death will not go to naught but would impel better destiny for us. And just like what her late husband said that this country is worth dying for, I believe that a chance for this nation to be great again is not farfetched as long as we unite and let the spirit of people power be with us to fight what this beloved mother and a leader left for us to continue. Through this column, I say goodbye to a great mother and leader. Salamat, President Corazon C. Aquino.