BACOLOD City – Twenty-one residents of Barangay Purisima, Manapla, Negros Occidental face multiple criminal charges for holding a protest at Victorias Milling Company, Inc. (VMC).
The residents allegedly barricaded the perimeter gate of VMC distillery Barangay Purisima on Feb. 14 preventing the entry and departure of trucks and tankers hauling raw materials.
They were prompted by what they alleged as intolerable odor coming from the distillery plant.
On Feb. 16, the VMC filed a sting of complaints before the Negros Occidental Prosecutor’s Office against the protesters – illegal assembly; tumultuous disturbance; unlawful utterances; alarm and scandal; serious illegal detention; grave threat; and grave coercion.
According to the VMC, the protest disrupted their operation and threatened the peace and safety of the community and their employees.
It thanked local police for restoring order.
“Because of their action, chaos was averted and further escalation of violence was prevented. Free flow of trade was also restored and our employees and the community were guaranteed protection in going to and fro in that area,” VMC added.
VMC assured its employees, partners, and host community that their safety and well-being are its priority./PN
