Abaday decries forceful entry to COWD, calls for probe, accountability

City Councilor Roger Abaday, in his special report during the 20 th City Council’s 120 th

regular session, condemned several men who forced their way in the Cagayan de Oro

Water District (COWD) last April 16, Wednesday.

Describing the incident as alarming and aggressive, Councilor Abaday denounced the

actions of Interim General Manager Fermin Jerales, who allegedly led the intrusion

alongside uniformed personnel and unidentified individuals wearing hoods and masks.

He expressed grave concern over the psychological impact of the incident on COWD

employees and the damage done not only to the facility but also to public trust.

The tension that erupted in full view of employees and the public was a clear affront to

due process and the rule of law, added the councilor.

“Such acts have no place in public service,” Abaday strongly pointed out.

With this, he urged the COWD management to provide CCTV footage from the day of

the incident and called for the presence of the Philippine National Police Provincial

Mobile Force, Cagayan de Oro Police Office, COWD management and board, and other

persons of interests to appear before the committee on public order and safety of

Councilor Romeo Calizo to hear their sides on the matter.

“This is about defending the dignity of our institutions and standing against intimidation

in any form,” Abaday concluded. (FDCalotes/SP)