Update: The tables have turned, and I must apologize. At the time that I posted this condemnation of Valley Golf and the Pangandamans, I believed Ms Bambee dela Paz's blog post to be true. It now appears that her account may be biased, inaccurate and overstated. I say may be, because I am loathe to fully trust unverified sources any longer, as I did in my very embarrassing post below.
More light has been shed on this issue, and the (unofficial) sides of Valley Golf (here, here, here and here) and the Pangandamans have been revealed, and it seems Bambee was not telling the whole truth. It appears that it was the dela Paz family that breached golf etiquette by throwing golf balls at the Pangandamans, and that the fight was instigated by Mr. Delfin dela Paz unreasonably poking Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr. with an umbrella. The mayor poked back, which resulted in a brawl between the two men, with Bino joining in the fight and breaking the mayor's wrists (unverified) with his driver (that thing at the end of the stick that hits the golf ball), and Bambee scratching the face of the elder Pangandaman brother.
Still, even though the dela Paz family started and put up a big fight, it was noted that it was the dela Paz family, in the end, who sustained worse injuries. So the Pangandamans are not faultless, either. In the end, both families did the wrong thing, and no one was exactly innocent or blameless. And it is only right that Valley Golf banned both families from ever entering the club again.
So I apologize to my readers for writing a very biased and emotional post here, and for condemning the Pangandaman family and the Valley Golf Country Club before knowing all sides of the story.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A family of three (a 56-year old man named Delfin de la Paz, his son and his daughter) were golfing at the Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo a day after Christmas. The mayor (Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr.) and his posse breaches etiquette and passes their flight
What's worse than a group of armed politicians beating up an unarmed old man? The management and staff of a golf club who were there THE WHOLE TIME and did NOTHING! Nothing but watch and then afterwards tell the beaten up family to LEAVE!!!
The story has been picked up by the media and is spreading like wildfire.
Read the daughter's blog here.
From GMA News:
The Antipolo police said Saturday that they would file physical injuries charges against the son of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. and five bodyguards for beating up two golfers at the Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo on Friday afternoon.
Facing charges are DAR chief’s son Nasser Pangandaman Jr., who is mayor of Masiu in Lanao del Sur, and his five bodyguards, a report on DZBB said. They were accused by Delfin de la Paz, 56. De la Paz claimed that Pangandaman and his bodyguard mauled him and his 14-year-old son after a brief spat inside the golf course.
Meanwhile, GMANews.TV learned that Pangandaman Jr has filed a counter-complaint against his accuser at the police station in Mayamot, Antipolo.
The lead investigator of the case said they found out that only Pangandaman Jr. and the five bodyguards took part in the mauling of De la Paz. Earlier reports said the elder Pangandaman also hurt De la Paz.
Radio dzRH earlier reported that the De la Paz family filed on Friday night a complaint with the Antipolo police for physical injuries and violation of the law protecting women and minors.
From ABS-CBN:
Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. and his son allegedly mauled two golf players, including a 14-year-old boy, inside a golf club in Antipolo City, Rizal province, on Friday afternoon.
Delfin dela Paz and his 14-year-old son, Bino, went to the Antipolo City police station and filed complaints of serious physical injuries and violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children, against Pangandaman and his son, Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu, Lanao del Sur.
Dela Paz told Antipolo City police investigators that he and his son were already on hole No. 6 of the Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo City, when the younger Pangandaman tried to overtake them, which they said was against golf etiquette.
The victim said he got mad and tried to complain, but he was suddenly mauled by the mayor and his bodyguards. He added that his son tried to pacify the mayor, but, he too, was mauled by the group.
After the incident, dela Paz said he went to the country club's front desk to complain, but he was followed and mauled again by the mayor and his bodyguards. Dela Paz said Secretary Pangandaman was one of the men who allegedly mauled him and his son at the country club's front desk. While being mauled, dela Paz said he saw the younger Pangandaman pull out a gun, which alarmed other people at the golf club.
After the incident dela Paz's daughter Bambee wrote about the incident in her blog site, where she also said the staff and management of the golf club did not help them after the incident.
"None of the security guards even tried to stop the fight. Right in the clubhouse.... The general manager of Valley Golf would not give us the names of the men who made my brother's ear bleed. It took him an hour. Maybe even more than that. He seemed to not want to help us," she wrote in her blog.
The management of the golf club, meanwhile, has not yet issued any statement as of posting time.Pangandaman was recently appointed to the government's peace panel with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
From Abante Tonite:
Sugatan ang isang mag-amang manlalaro ng golf makaraang pagtulungan umanong gulpihin ng anak at bodyguard ni Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Nasser Pangandaman sa loob ng Valley Golf and Country Club sa Antipolo City, Rizal kahapon ng hapon.
Habang sinusulat ang balitang ito ay ginagamot naman sa Manila East Medical Center ang mag-amang sina Delfin dela Paz, 56, negosyante at Bino Lorenzo, 14, isang junior golfer ng Philippine Team at nakatira sa Magnolia Town and Country Executive Village, Bgy. Mayamot, Antipolo, Rizal, sanhi ng mga tinamong sugat sa mukha, tenga at katawan.
Sinabi umano ng ibang naglalaro ng golf kung sino ang nambugbog sa mag-ama at nalaman din nila ito sa pamamagitan ng logbook ng golf club na si Angel Pangandaman at ang mga bodyguard na sina Payzar Abdulaa, Mohammad Hussie, Abdan Pacasuma, Rene Magaque at Arnel Astacio.
Nandoon umano sa golf club si Sec. Pangandaman nang mangyari ang insidente at nakatingin lamang ito habang nagkakagulo.
Base sa report nina PO1 Anna Francisco at Anjerico Magallanes ng Antipolo Police Station-Criminal Investigation Division, dakong ala-1:30 ng hapon nang maganap ang insidente sa Hole No. 5 ng South Course Valley Golf and Country Club na matatagpuan sa Don Celso S. Tuazon Avenue, Antipolo City.
Base naman sa salaysay ni Marie Dhel dela Paz, 18, kasalukuyan silang naglalaro ng golf sa Hole No. 5 ng kanyang ama at kapatid na si Bino Lorenzo nang dumating ang grupo ni Sec. Pangandaman kasama ang anak nitong si Angel at ang limang bodyguard.
Bigla na lamang umano sila nilampasan ng lugar ng grupo sa halip na sila ang maunang maglaro sa naturang butas. Dahil dito, sinita umano ni G. Dela Paz ang batang Pangandaman at sinabihan na hindi sila dapat manguna sa lugar hanggang sa nagtalo ang dalawa.
Sa kalagitnaan ng pagtatalo ay agad umanong lumapit ang matandang Pangandaman kasama ang limang bodyguard. Hanggang sa pinagbuhatan umano ng kamay ni Angel si G. Dela Paz at dahil sa matanda na ito ay agad na bumulagta sa lupa. Nakabulagta na umano si G. Dela Paz ay pinagtulungan pang gulpihin ng limang bodyguard ng mag-amang Pangandaman.
Tinangka umanong awatin ng magkapatid na Dela Paz ang mga gumugulpi sa kanilang ama ngunit si Bino Lorenzo naman ang ginulpi ni Angel.
Matapos ang ginawang panggugulpi sa mag-ama ay nagbitaw pa umano ng salita ang batang Pangandaman sa matandang Dela Paz na “Baka hindi ninyo kami nakikilala ang yabang-yabang ninyo at mag-ingat kayo”.
Mabilis na umalis umano ang grupo sakay ng tatlong sasakyan, isang kulay puting Toyota Camry na may plakang AAM 88, kulay puting Expedition (ZHL 654) at kulay green na Prado (UAN 957).
Nabatid naman sa pamunuan ng naturang golf club na ang mag-amang Pangandaman ay miyembro nila at ang mga ito lamang ang kasunod ng mga biktima na naka-logbook sa nasabing entrance.
Samantala, nakatakda naman umanong imbitahan ng mga awtoridad ang mag-amang Pangandaman at ang limang bodyguard ng mga ito upang kunan ng pahayag hinggil sa nasabing insidente.
Sasampahan umano ng kasong serious physical injuries at paglabag sa Anti-Child Abuse Law sa Antipolo Prosecutor’s Office ang mga suspek.
This is outrageous!!!
Grrrrrr!
His pea size brain just fell of his fist and he is not even a boxer..... indeed a turd.
My Uncle's girlfriend is the victims neice, I only read her blog which also reposted her cousins blog. I was shocked. I thought that these things only happened on TV, in fiction. But then I read it on pages of people I know, I come in contact with, and you just have to wonder: What is the world coming to?
Praying for justice.
i just read this off a friendster bulletin and i was really disgusted. i'm proud of you of doing your part in circulating this. i hope they are brought to justice.
Hi There!
What a disgusting father and son pair! It really shows how innate and corrupt some people are and how father influences son.
I hope they get their dues and go to jail. So PGMA, I know you are not the "best person" out there but you know what to do with the stupid DAR Chief and his son! Payback time is now!
Hi Im Shimvita from Lanao Del Norte working as nurse here in Cagayan de Oro City. The Mayor is known here as JR and his brother Hussein Pangandaman both Muslims who are hungry for trouble wherever they go. They roam the clubs, bars and golf courses looking for trouble kasi insecure. Hussein got his GF pregnant and left her without paying child support saying she wanted sex. If you meet a JR and Hussein Pangandaman, just shake their hands and excuse yourself, because for all you know you can be their next victim. Check the police blotters of Cagayan De Oro and you can see on their archives the countless injustices they have commited. Maski mga farmers ayaw kay DAR Secretary kasi corrupt. Yan si JR 26 lang yan pero bastos! walang breeding, tingin nya sa mga babae tulad ko cheap. I hope the dela paz urges those who have been wronged by this evil family to encourage them to pursue this case and catch media attention.... Sana Probe Team will do and indept probe.... magugulat kayo with the can of worms this will reveal
Please encourage Bloggers from Cagayan de Oro and Lanao where the Pangandamans are to reveal their own horrible stories of how they were mugged and pointed a gun in the face, which is their trademark , to encourage Dela Paz to pursue this case!!
as far as im concern... i knew that bodyguards are not allowed in the golf course... only players and their caddies are allowed.. how come they said that they were mauled in the 6th hole by the mayor and his bodyguards????
After the Dela Pazes had aired out in news blitzkrieg their side of the story, the Pangandamans have come out with a knee-jerk rejoinder on the issue --- claiming it was the senior Dela Paz or the daughter who started the melee by hitting one of the Pangandamans with a golf umbrella... Anyone with a common sense wouldn't dare do such provocation against a person, much less a group of male (factors), surrounded by an omnipresent, intimidating cordon of pea-sized-brain and fully-armed bodyguards --- whose purpose is to rabidly, blindly serve their handlers who feed them, and to do so regardless of consequences and at all costs since they anyway shall be covered with the extended mantle of impunity. That's how it operates here in this Banana Republic. The people involved in the fracas are neither idiots nor weaklings, regardless of how they overnight image themselves as the victims. Stop playing possum, all of you - media practitioners and bloggers included. They are no strangers to pelf, power and influence either not to immediately distinguish their own kind. The filthy rich jealously, immediately dislike in their conceited viewpoint of exclusive, monopolized self-importance their own kind. Self-love breeds contempt against all others. I also have second thoughts entertaining the side-track comments of the Pangandamans that the Dela Pazes "acted as though they owned the territory (Valley Golf)." The bone of contention was but a "few minutes of ownership" of "privilege playing rights" of Hole Number Three at the time of the dispute --- where the Dela Pazes contend that it was theirs in physical possession of at the time; while the Pangandamans insisted it was theirs in the first place as they were merely lagging behind a group that was already playing holes far in advance. Both parties argued for preference and priority --- with or without advertence to Golf Manual 101. That was the deal breaker that broke the spirit of the Holidays. "Love of self, amor propio, ako muna bago kayo." Can't and don't blame anyone --- people who do so get crucified for doing right. Flashbacks of the Rolito Go parking slot shooting and that of the similar Loyola Cemetery parking fight episode. What I am certain of is that somebody burst a short fuse, and one act of intemperance and inconsideration paved the way for more violence and arrogance. The circus is now in town. The parties involved were supposed to play the gentleman's game of golf --- but, like overgrown brats as they all are really, did some other silly, childish thing that has found them now in the limelight of exchanging brickbats in full view of the nation. Regardless against the backdrop of what is supposed to be the Happy Holidays. I leave you to elevate your love of self in full view of the amused public. We can use some pointers for life. Be that as it may, lessons shall be learned the hard and painful way for all parties concerned. Good luck on this episode where only the devil gets to win! - JVC
The mayor (goons) and his hooligan father are the prime example of Philippine Government Officials who abuse their power using their positions thinking they can do what ever they want and get away with it.
I challenge the mayor and his father to do what they did to these people outside the Philippines. I'll be watching how the President apply the Philippine justice system to these maulers.
To the mayor and his father, you both embarassed the Filipinos around the world. You don't deserve your office.
Almost the same time last year, the Sumilao farmers pleaded for the DAR Secretary (Pangandaman) to make a decision on their case, based on very clear legal bases (confirmed by several past DAR Secretaries like Abad and Garilao, and subsequently given credence by San Miguel Foods' eventual retreat into a compromise settlement - giving back half of the 144 hectares taken from the farmers and replacing the other half with other nearby farmlands), to give them back their land. The elder Pangandaman, tasked to implement the country's primary social justice program as head of the Dept. of Agrarian Reform, showed his true character by not doing anything, claiming that he did not have the authority. Head of the government agency that is supposed to serve the poor farmers, and yet ovciously beholden to vested interests and the rich and powerful. In power to serve...not the people's interests but those of a few powerful ones.
This incident, on the other hand, shows his true character as a father - having raised sons who behave as described in the news and the blogs. It just shows the kind of self-image he has which he seems to have transmitted very successfully to his sons, and which he confirmed and supported by allowing his sons to demonstrate it to the dela Pazes as he watched in obvious approval, and probably amusement. His concept of what it means to be a human being, it seems, is to be powerful and rich and to have everyone as one's subjects and underlings. "Hindi nila ako kilala!!!" - this probably merely echoed behavior which the sons probably got from the father. Consistent with the warlord culture? You be the judge.
Might is right.
I am surprised though that many of the reactions here still exhibit surprise that things like these are happening in the Philippines. These have always been there, and we perhaps are equally guilty by continuously condoning these very things that have been happening for decades, and merely looking the other way. Worse, we probably sometimes, or many times, have participated in this power culture by invoking this in many transactions we entered into ("sige na, pagbigyan mo na ako, kilala ako ni ganito... kamag-anak ako ni ganyan...") - power play. This whole thing subverts the rationality of social, political and economic institutions and renders them useless and the instruments of personal convenience. Sabi nga nila, in the Philippines daw, "Public office is a private property", intead of a "public trust".
But why are these people in office, and remain to do so? And why does culture persist?
At this point, kailangang tumingin tayo sa taas.
No, no, no! I don't mean God! I mean the highest official in the land! Culture is very much influenced by leadership, and leadership is very much lived out through role modeling. A corrupt culture can be very much affected, and changed, when the top honcho is serious about cleaning it up, and practices ethical leadership consistently. When corruption abounds everywhere - if I have to look at it the way a doctor looks at symptoms - it probably points to the very real possibility that people everywhere are not afraid to be corrupt because: (a) they are merely emulating the behavior of people above them (and its continuation probably means that it goes all the way to the top because nobody is really doing anything to stop it! walang real check and balance), (b) the people at the top are also very guilty - hypocrisy limits effectiveness - walang sinungaling na maniniwala sa kapwa sinungaling).
I suggest that we keep the blogs going - this is the new form of people power. The `86 version of people power will not work anymore because the cohorts of evil have taken over practically completely all the agencies of government - executive, legislative, and very soon, the judicial. The last frontier that we should never allow them to take over is - ourselves, our inner selves, our being, who we are, our humanity.
But we need to practice consistency. Already, many bloggers are behaving the same way as the Pangandamans - let's be vigilant about being self-righteous, and feeling that "being right" gives us the authority to do whatever we wish and feel (in other words, let us not be Pagandamish - Garcified na nga ang bansa, dadagdagan pa natin). In other words, as we criticize the malefactors, don't forget to constantly critique ourselves as well, and remind ourselves always that true humanity and decency is anchored on a firm respect for the dignity of every human being, although such respect may need to be expressed sometimes through criticism but more in the form of "fraternal correction" or constructive feedback rather than through judgmental and insulting criticism.
Gandhi set an example decades ago reminding us that we must beware of becoming like the enemy we are fighting.
i bet that mayor paid the staff...fuck him...the victims are the relatives of my classmate and it is disappointing to know that over golf people would go that far...i hope the mayor and his bodyguard bastards get what they deserve!
Dapat ba na hanggang puro salita nalang tayong lahat, reklamo doon reklamo dito ang gawain...??? BAKIT hindi natin ideretso ang reklamo natin sa Presidente ng Pilipinas???... Sulatan natin sya,,, siguro naman sa dami ng SUSULAT ng reklamo sa kaniya ay magigising sya sa pagkatulog...Ang Pangandaman at DelaPaz na issue ay magandang halimbawa, ito ay isang hamon sa PRESIDENTE, na dapat pag-ukulan nya ng pansin, ipakita kong meron syang makabansang hakbang para sa atin lahat..
I have read Ms dela Paz's blog and after reading I was furious with anger! To think those mad people are beating up an old man and a minor! I don't know what to say. I hate the Philippine government. Imbes sila yung maging good example, sila yung gumagawa ng dahilan para mawalan na ng pag-asa ang bawat Pilipino na umunlad pa tong bansang ito. Ganyan na lang ba talaga ka savage yung mga officials natin?
I pity dela Paz's family. I just saw the news after I read the blog. Hmmp I don't know what to think about the government anymore. Before I was passive, now I'm losing hope in seeing a good government ruling us all. Makaalis na nga lang sa Philippines.
And about that golf club. I half-pity half-detest them. Kawawa sila dahil sila yung naipit. Baka ipapatay pa yung owner pag magsasabi ng something against sa official. Tingin ko magsisinungaling. Kaya, wag na kayong pumunta dun sa golf club na yon! Di kayo proprotektahan kung may nangugulo sa inyo. Diba?
Mawala na sana yang mga politicians na ganyan ang ugali. Mawala, umalis o mamatay, okay lang.
Im Boobie Lugod of the Cagayan de Oro Jaycees and being the Past President, where Hussein Pangandaman is my member, I condemm his despicable acts as inhuman, unacceptable and uncalled for. This has gone too far already and we have already expelled Hussein from our roster of members for the following reasons, we in the JC's have been in community and humanitarian work for decades and that muslim boy has been tarnishing our good reputation and has been hiding in our skirts for a long long time. We have been patient with Hussein and have warned him in the past to shape up, after incidence of brawl, pambabastos, and his shocking behavior have shaken this peacefull loving town because of him our name have been compromised dearly. HUSSEIN PANGANDAMAN HAS BEEN EXPELLED FROM THE JUNIOR CHAMBER OF THE PHILIPPINES, CAGAYAN DE ORO JAYCEES EFFECTIVE 31, DECEMBER 2008
I'm sorry but this is a typical politician in the Philippines. Some might not vent out on physical violence, but they're bullshit is evident in the situation of our country. How worse can our country get?
Jr and his pigs must do some time in jail, then we'll find out how tough they are in real jail!!!
REMINDER TO ALL INVESTIGATING OFFICERS: WE ALL KNOW THAT YOU WILL CON INTO ACCEPTING BRIBE MONEY TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY!! DON'T FORGET YOU ALL HAVE YOUR OWN FAMILY AS WELL. YOU PEOPLE MUST DO THE RIGHT THING. REMEMBER WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND..DON'T LET KARMA GET YOU LATER!! TO GLORIA, IT'S TIME TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND PUT THESE GUYS TO JAIL!! DO YOU WANT THESE PEOPLE PART OF YOUR TEAM???
I'M HOPING THESE LOOSERS WILL VISIT U.S AND TO THE SAME CRIME. I GUARANTEE YOU, THESE GUYS WILL BE SOMEONE'S BITCH IN JAIL... SOMEONE NAMED...BIG BUBBA!!!
Kung palagay ni JR matigas siya, magkita kami at suntukin kami, tingnan ko kung hindi iiyak ang gago nayan, matapang lang yan kasi may bodyguard! nanahiya ka gagu, you give pinoy a bad name... walanghiya!!!!
DI BA TAYO NAGBABAYAD SA MGA KUMAG NA BODYGUARDS NA YAN? MAYOR PA GOLF GOLF NA LANG KAYO AT MUKHANG BORED NA BORED SA BUHAY AT PATI BATA PINATULAN. SANA MAKULONG KAYO. ISABIT MO NA RIN TATAY MONG KUNSITIDUR. MAG DALA KA NA RIN NG BODYGUARDS SA LOOB NG BILIBID AT KUNG HINDI AY PUPWITAN KA DUON NG MAYOR NG BILIBID. NAKU LAKI SIGURO NG SISI MO SA GINAWA MO KAPAG MAGKATAON.
I'm speecheless... I dont' have the right words to describe how stupid, idiot, moron, this JR and company is. Even his father ---naturingan pa naman na DAR secretary!!! NAKAKAHIYA KAYO, Dapat kayong mawala!!! I can't imagine anong klaseng pamilya kayo--- gugagamit pa kayo ng mga taong BOBO as bodyguards.(well, sino ba pa ang pwede nyong mauto).
Nakakahiya kayo! SHAME SHAME... makaulaw mo kaayo sa mga PILIPINO!
Hopefully President GMA, bigyan nyo ng magandang example ang mga katulad ng PANGANDAMAN-leksyon upang hindi na masundan pa nag mga ganitong pangyayari.
DAR Secretary? Hindi qualified yan. Regalo yan for the Million Votes.... Tama ba garci?
yan ang effect ng mga binoto niyong corrupt.
and you are next
BAY-OT MAN TINGALI KANANG SI HUSSEIN PANGANDAMAN? KANA SYA TAGA XAVIER? AMBOT NALANG NOH PIRME NALANG INVOVE SA GUBOT ILA NA SYA DIRE NA TROUBLE MAKER UBAN IYANG IG-SUON NA MAYOR KARON SA ILA-HA. GIBAYRAN MAN DAW PARA MUDAOG NG MOKLO??