Politics Hampers Relief Operations

GUIMARAS – Is politics getting in the way of relief operations for displaced residents of Guimaras?

Two top political leaders of the island province are independently working to help their constituents, it was learned.

Cong. Edgar Espinosa confirmed that his office had been working separately from the provincial government under Gov. Rahman Nava in distributing relief assistance to residents of affected barangays.

“Sa ila and tanan nga amot. Ang akon diutay lang (All the financial assistance are coursed through the provincial government of Guimaras. My office has not received much) but I make the most of it,” Espinosa said.

The congressman also said he received reports that his supporters living in affected barangays were not included in the provincial government’s cleanup and rehabilitation program, particularly, the cash-for-work scheme.

“Ang akon mga tao wala ka-obra pero in one way ginapasalamatan ko man kay malayo sila sa masakit (My people are not included in the cash-for-work scheme. But in a way, I am thankful that they are not exposed to the health risks posed by the spilled bunker fuel),” Espinosa said.
The congressman said he supports plans to sue those responsible for the oil spill. Definitely, e will file a case,” he said.

Panay News learned that help still has to reach some islands of Guimaras affected by the oil spill. The islanders feel neglected and helpless, three weeks since the spill began on August 11.
Two of such islands needing rehabilitation and clean up are Naoway and Nagarao whose shores are covered by thick sludge of bunker fuel.

The islanders relying on the sea for their food are hungry. All they got, they said, are assurances of help that still has to come.

“The help is coursed through the provincial government. Didto nagasulod sa ila. Sila nagapanagtag sina. Just ask them,” Espinosa said in an interview with members of the City Hall Press Corps, yesterday.

Last week, Naoway Village President Ofelia Pelingon said representatives from Petron Corp. came to their village on August 25 and distributed relief goods – three gantas of rice and nine assorted canned goods – to 100 families.

Naoway Island is part of Brgy. San Isidro, Sibunag town. It has an area of 19.5 hectares and with a population of 470.

“Didto na sila nagapangisda sa Negros lapit. Ginakulba-an gani sila kay basi madakpan sila (Our fishers are now venturing in the territorial waters of Negros Occidental to catch fish. But they are afraid Negros authorities will arrest them),” Pelingon added.

Residents of the nearby island of Nagarao have the same grievances. “We cannot get the oil sludge sticking on our beaches,” said Nagarao Island Resort manager and owner Helen Stummer. Stummer said she shoulders all the expenses to clean her island.
Gov. Nava could not be reached for comment as of press time.

Panay News, Politics Hampers Relief Operations by DAVID ISRAEL SINAY