Robredo campaign leader in Negros Occ apologizes for ‘heckling’ BBM caravan

BACOLOD CITY – Former governor Rafael Coscoluella, provincial chair of Robredo People’s Council (RPC) – Negros Occidental, has apologized for the “heckling” incident involving some supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo during the caravan of presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the province last week.

Coscolluela, in a statement, said that he expressed deep remorse over what happened, even as he recognized the sentiments that fueled such emotions. 

“I apologize to Mr. Marcos and his companions for the heckling, and I urge everyone to refrain from such actions for the duration of the campaign,” Coscolluela said.

Coscolluela said that as much as he wanted to fully investigate the circumstances, his hectic schedule prevented him from meeting all the individuals who were either involved or were witnesses to the said incident.

Nevertheless, Coscolluela noted that the RPC-Negros Occidental has consistently exhorted its volunteers to observe proper conduct during the campaign.

He, however, said that it cannot be denied, that partisan emotions can run high and result in confrontational actions, although done while exercising one’s freedom of speech, that are hateful, hurtful or uncalled for. 

“We do not encourage such behaviour, nor will we tolerate the same from among our ranks,” Coscolluela said, adding that the heckling was not premeditated, and certainly would never have been allowed if their blessings had been sought. 

A video, which made the rounds in social media, showed some of Robredo’s supporters throwing fliers at Marcos when the UniTeam’s caravan passed by the headquarters of Robredo in Talisay City last Wednesday.

One of those involved in the incident posted on social media that they were exercising their right to free speech, and were out of the way when Marcos Jr.’s bodyguards started pushing them to the side.

“This act of violence caused the flyers held up by one of the dissenters to fly towards BBM hitting his face. I say he deserves it,” she said in a Facebook post.

For his part, Mayor Neil Lizares, in a statement, said that it was unfortunate that an example of these inappropriate actions was recorded while the caravan was in Talisay City.

“The rude behavior is not and will never be acceptable,” Lizares said, adding that the city government will not tolerate such behavior.

He assured that all the necessary action will be made after proper investigation. 

Lizares hopes that while they made sure the caravan will go on smoothly, the acts of the people who attended the caravan were beyond their control. 

“While we have different political views and support different candidates, we make sure to exercise our right to choose responsibly,” the mayor said, adding that the action of one person does not define all Talisaynons. 

“This is not to say that disrespect will be condoned,” Lizares said, adding that the incident was already being investigated.