As protests were ignited, Mayor Vico Sotto had this reminder to the public.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto tells people not to resort to violence after the Discaya compound suffered the protesters’ outrage.
“Magnanakaw! Ikulong!” the protesters chanted in front of a property owned by controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya. On Thursday morning in Pasig City, flood victims together with environmental groups pelted the gates of Discaya-owned St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corporation with mud and rocks, while also writing the words “magnanakaw” (thief) and “ikulong” (jail them) outside.
This was their way to express their outrage after hearing enough of the anomalies that the contractors did with the flood control projects. The protesters called for the conviction of Sarah and the other contractors involved, who allegedly pocketed billions.
In the videos circulating online, people were seen vandalizing the walls, pushing against the gates of the compound, and throwing mud, while they shouted, calling them to show up.
Following the sudden and quite violent course of events, the Discaya family threatened to sue those involved in the protest. According to the contractors’ lawyer, “The spouses Discaya are very scared, their children are very traumatized, their relatives, too, are very scared of what’s happening.”
The protest has also come to the attention of Mayor Vico Sotto, and this prompted him to leave a significant reminder to the people – that while he understands their frustration and anger, they should not resort to violence. He also vowed that his office would fight to make these persons accountable.
He expressed that the mud and stones would not reach the Discayas, but would rather potentially hurt other people if things escalate. He added, “Don’t feel hopeless… the momentum is on the right side now!!!”
Sotto also stated that he feels like they are acting more quickly now.
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