PAL files criminal charges vs 41 PALEA members

Business Mirror
November 10, 2011



MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Wednesday filed criminal complaints against 41 former employees, who allegedly harassed airline staff and blocked two of its catering vehicles from leaving the PAL Inflight Center in Pasay City last October 29.

PAL security officer Zenas Agbay, who was the ground team leader on October 29, submitted his affidavit-complaint against the 41 members of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA)  to the Pasay City prosecutor's office at around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

In his complaint, Agbay recounted the events that led to the "unprovoked harassment" and detailed "specific acts of violence committed by PALEA members." The complaint included photographs and video footage of the incident.

Named respondents in the complaint were PALEA members: Jonas A. Agustin, Renato L. Berongoy, Jorge P. dela Rosa, Anacorito T. Fernandez Jr., Joaquin C. Galvez, Joaquin Z. Garcia, Eduardo O. Lapuz, Liberato B. Liad, Daniel C. Mag-atas, Celito V. Padon, Roselito A. Prado, Ronald R. Salazar, Romeo M. Sayas, Jose A. Amador, Alberto U. de Guzman, Edgardo J. Disu, Eusebio F. Flores, Sofronio S. Gajo, Nicanor R. Guantero, Jose Lito T. Lune, Bienvenido D. Luteria, Ricky R. Magararu, Ramon Patrick L. Salud, Froilan S. Tancinco, Arnel R. Amador, Epifanio M. Bagsic, Esther A. Gonzaga, Joseph Louie V. Macatual, Antonio N. Metiam, Danilo P. Musni, Manuel O. Narte, Rolando P. Oxina, Elmer L. Pinlac, Jaime Antonio D. Nacar Jr., Sarah Bonnin, Ariel Banagua, Jonas Agustin, Lauro Villanueva, Ulysis Rodelas, a certain Macatangay and a certain Colo.

PALEA members have been protesting the outsourcing program and began their blockade of the PAL Inflight Center along MIA Road on September 28. The center houses the airline's cabin services department and kitchen for meals for all PAL flights.

PALEA members allegedly harassed and threatened the airline's trucks and drivers, including those employed by the service providers, each time they leave and enter the PAL compound.

On the morning of October 29, 2 PAL vehicles loaded with trolleys, catering equipment and supplies were about to leave the compound when PALEA members blocked  it.

The protesters were armed with rattan batons and torches, and had even placed planks with nails on the driveway. Agbay said the PALEA members shouted invectives and threats at the drivers and security personnel.

"To make matters worse, the PALEA members poured liquid combustible material in a box and it was lighted about two feet away from the catering truck.  When it was already burning, they pushed it nearer the hood of the truck, endangering the truck and its occupants.  They also laid out barbed wires on the path of the vehicles," the complaint said.

Agbay said the requisite elements of grave coercion were present during the October 29 incident: violation of the law, presence of violence/threat/intimidation, and protesters had no authority to block the truck. As evidenced by photos and a video, the protesters threatened to torch the PAL truck.