TACLOBAN CITY — Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda has ordered an investigation and vowed to hold accountable those responsible for a disturbance involving students following the announcement of winners of the Padul-ong Festival Dance Competition on Sept. 7.

The incident occurred at the Borongan City Plaza Grounds, where a confrontation between students reportedly escalated, with monoblock chairs thrown toward members of an opposing team, according to the Borongan City Police Station (BCPS).

Police personnel immediately intervened to prevent the disturbance from escalating and to ensure the safety of students, festival participants and spectators.

Agda expressed disappointment over the incident, saying such behavior was disrespectful to Nuestra Señora de Borongan, whose image and devotion are at the center of the city’s annual celebration.

“All those who caused the trouble yesterday will be held accountable — they may be prosecuted if necessary, removed from the Direkta Ayuda program, or any other legal step that will make them realize the seriousness of the trouble they caused,” Agda said.

Following the mayor’s directive, the Incident Management Team (IMT) conducted an initial investigation and convened an emergency coordination meeting to determine the circumstances of the incident, identify those involved and discuss possible sanctions or disciplinary measures.

Representatives from participating schools, including principals and teachers in charge, as well as other stakeholders, attended the meeting to provide information and assist in determining what happened.

City Tourism Office head Neil Pinarok and lawyer Jamaila Aboy were also present to provide coordination and legal guidance.

The IMT said additional meetings may be held to gather more information and formulate measures to prevent similar incidents during future city celebrations.

The BCPS condemned the disturbance and warned against violence, disorderly conduct and other actions that could threaten public safety.

Police also urged students, parents, school authorities, festival participants and residents to exercise restraint and discipline during public gatherings and competitive activities. Those involved were advised against retaliation or provocation, while the public was urged not to circulate unverified information, photos or videos that could further aggravate the situation.
The Padul-ong Festival is held every Sept. 7 in Borongan in honor of the traditional account of the arrival of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de Borongan. Its festivities include a street-dancing and ritual competition featuring school-based groups depicting the sacred arrival.

This year’s competition was won by Tribu Sagitik of Maypangdan National High School, which received P320,000 and awards for best choreography and best costume.

Tribu Magkasikasi of Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School placed first runner-up and received P250,000, while also winning best in musicality.

Tribu Rayhak of Sta. Fe National High School placed second runner-up and received P200,000 after winning Best in Dance Parade. Tribu Parag-uma of Calingatngan National High School won Best Festival Queen.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY– Before police officers patrol the streets, before barangay tanods keep watch at night, and before community leaders gather to discuss crime prevention, the family is one institution that plays an even more fundamental role.

As the country observes the National Crime Prevention Week, Commission on Population and Development-8 (CPD-8) Regional Director Lourdes P. Nacionales emphasized that crime prevention begins at home where responsible and values-rooted families play a vital role in preventing crime by shaping children and young people with discipline, respect, compassion, and a strong sense of right and wrong.

Families, she said, are considered the first environment where children learn values, responsible behavior, and respect for others. Strong parental guidance, open communication, and positive family relationships can help young people resist negative influences and make better decisions.

Values-rooted families provide children with the foundation they need to make responsible choices as they grow.

“A family that raises children with respect, responsibility, compassion and a strong sense of right and wrong can become the first line of defense against crime, helping shape individuals who are less likely to harm others and more willing to contribute to the safety of their communities,” Nacionales said during the Community Information Forum on Crime Prevention organized by the Philippine Information Agency.

For CPD, this role of families goes beyond the home. It is closely linked to its core principle of putting people at the center of development.

“Development, after all, is not only about economic growth, infrastructure or access to services. It is also about building people and strengthening the relationships that hold communities together,” Nacionales added.

For CPD, strengthening families is therefore part of building safer and more resilient communities and this makes families important partners in crime prevention.

The 32nd National Crime Prevention Week carries the theme: “Strengthening Civilian Oversight and Collective Action for Safer Communities” which points that crime prevention becomes more effective when it is treated not simply as a police concern, but as a shared responsibility.

This year’s observance highlights the importance of meaningful civilian participation, community engagement, accountability, and strong partnerships between law enforcement and the people being served.

For CPD, when people are placed at the center of development, families cannot be left at the margins. They must be at the forefront.

Because safer communities are not built by law enforcement alone. They are built in homes where children learn what is right, in families that teach them to value others, and in communities that support parents in raising responsible and compassionate citizens.

(AHLETTE C. REYES)