Pina-iimbestigahan na ni La Union Governor Rafy Ortega-David ang diumanong insidente ng pambabastos na naranasan ng influencer na si Cherry White sa lalawigan.

Sa isang pahayag, sinabi ni Ortega-David na nakatanggap siya ng maraming ulat at napanood ang mga video na kumakalat online na si White, isang social media personality at vlogger, ay nagkaroon ng negatibong karanasan habang siya ay naka-park sa isang itinalagang checkpoint ng isang motor event na kanyang nilalahukan sa La Union.

“The reports and videos reveal that a crowd consisting of possible followers, admirers and fans gathered close to her which resulted in uncontrolled and unnecessary physical contact.” 

“Time and again, we have witnessed unpleasant, sometimes tragic incidents because of unplanned and unregulated event management, and it is indeed most regrettable that this has happened to Ms. Cherry White, especially here in the Province of La Union,” aniya.

Binigyang-diin ni Ortega-David na kung ang kaganapang ito ay naplano at nakipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan sa lalawigan, matitiyak sana ang kaayusan at regulasyon at ang nasabing insidente ay naiwasan.

Ayon sa gobernador, agad siyang nakipag-ugnayan sa La Union Provincial Police Office at sa City of San Fernando Police Office para ma-alerto sila sa mga paglabag at imbestigahan at aksyunan ang nasabing insidente.

“Other than this incident, there have been numerous accidents that also happened in our area of jurisdiction that could have also greatly harmed our residents. Do know that should these incidents persist, I am seriously considering to not allow such events if there will be lack of coordination and preparation.” 

Iginiit din niya na ang mga kalsada, highway at lansangan ng La Union ay para sa mga taong alam at sumusunod sa mga patakaran.

“At the outset, I represent the people of La Union, especially those who were in the event, in expressing my sincerest apologies to Ms. Cherry White who has undergone a most unpleasant and traumatic experience.”

Binigyang-diin ni Ortega-David na walang tao, anuman ang katayuan, katanyagan o background, ang dapat na makaranas ng harassment o pisikal na pananakit.

“Whether you are a local or a guest of La Union, you should be able to feel safe and not worry of any malicious intent nor doing. I do my very best to take initiatives for protecting and creating a safe space for all of you.”

Pinaalalahanan din niya na ang mga taga La Union na sila ay mapagmahal sa Diyos at mapayapang mga tao. 

“Never forget that your actions, big or small, reflect on the very nature and legacy of La Union. We are decent, hard-working and honest people. We are known to protect our women…our mothers, sisters, daughters and the general women-folk.” 

“When in La Union, should you need law enforcement intervention, please do not hesitate to approach and contact a PNP [Philippine National Police] station, outpost, or mobile unit nearest to you. You can also dial 911 should you be in any distress or require help,” dagdag ng gobernador. 

Nangako rin siya na titiyakin na magkakaroon ng resolusyon ang nasabing insidente at magkakaroon ng angkop na parusa para sa mga lumabag sa batas. Patuloy rin aniyang titiyakin na ang La Union ay isang ligtas na lugar para sa lahat.

Photo credit: Facebook/LGUlaunion