GUBAT, Sorsogon — LKY Group of Companies alleged personnel harassed two residents and chopped fences with his machete in Barangay Cogon yesterday afternoon, Oct. 31.
The alleged LKY personnel identified as “Abel” harassed two residents with his machete while the victims, Asuncion Rosal and Rosana Almenie, were gathering dry woods to use for cooking. According to the victims, they were able to escape and Abel just chopped the fences in their place instead.
Several complaints from the coastal dwellers have been filed in the barangay against LKY personnel due to the successive incidents of alleged intimidation and harassment.
Congressman Wilbert Lee of the Agri Party-list is the owner of the LKY and currently seeking a senatorial position in the 2025 Midterm National and Local Elections (NLE).
“Residents continue to seek help from the authorities to protect them from such incidents while their matter with the said company has not been completely resolved,” Save Gubat Bay Movement stated.
“Despite the success of KULAG, a local fisherfolk association, over the case filed against them by the LKY company in the Regional Trial Court of Sorsogon, the residents of Brgy. Cogon are still experiencing harassment,” the group added.
The RTC dismissed the case on Aug. 20 this year.
The court’s decision is a beacon of hope for the fisherfolk, affirming their rights to the land they have worked and lived on, according to Save Gubat. However, for them it was a bittersweet victory since there are threats.
“They understand that this battle is part of a larger fight for justice and recognition of their rights,” the group said.
KULAG’s struggle in Gubat, Sorsogon is part of a broader movement among fisherfolk in the region, who have been mobilizing against policies and projects that threaten their livelihoods and the environment. [By Baretang Bikolnon Online]