📷Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares
Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares strongly condemned the actions of CDI guards who prevented teachers and students from entering Pangarap Elementary School and Pangarap High School in Pangarap Village, Brgy. 181, Caloocan City yesterday, July 30.
“This is a blatant violation of the right to education,” Colmenares declared. “It is unacceptable that private interests are impeding the education of our youth, especially after the challenges posed by Typhoon Carina and the already delayed start of classes.”
The incident occurred just two days after the start of the school year, with guards citing that Pangarap Village is now private property. This claim is part of an ongoing land dispute involving CDI, a company owned by Greggy Araneta.
Colmenares called on Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Caloocan City Mayor Along Malapitan to take immediate action. “We urge the local government, especially Mayor Malapitan and DepEd Tayo Caloocan City, to address this urgent matter. The education of our students must not be further impeded by these land disputes.”
Bayan Muna also expressed solidarity with the residents of Pangarap Village, who have faced decades of harassment, intimidation, and demolition attempts. “We stand with the 40,000 residents of Pangarap Village in their fight for their rights and their homes,” added the former Bayan Muna solon
“This is not just about property rights; this is about the fundamental right to education and the welfare of our communities.”
Colmenares urged for a swift resolution to ensure that classes can resume immediately. “Every day of missed school is a setback for our students. We demand that CDI and all involved parties prioritize the education and well-being of these children over property disputes.”
Bayan Muna Partylist vows to continue monitoring the situation and calls for unity among the residents of Pangarap Village in defending their rights.
