Local businessmen, consumers groups, the Philippine National Police, the new arrastre and stevedoring operator, and possibly the Philippine Ports Authority were contemplating to file economic sabotage charges yesterday against the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, and their striking members for paralyzing port operations and the economy in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental.

The lawyer of Prudential Customs Brokerage Services Inc., Joel Obar, is closely coordinating with the police and businessmen to determine if the losses from both the private and public sector will justify the filing of an economic sabotage complaint against persons and groups responsible for the strike, despite the issuance of a TRO.

Initial assessment of the effects of the strike showed a loss of P20 million and could reach to as high as P50 million, Obar claimed.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas had also expressed concern over possible loss of coins that may result in a bank holiday. Obar said these coins are being moved and transported through the ports of Dumaguete.

He also said that PCBSI is bleeding on a daily basis from September last year with a loss reaching P5 million already.

This is not to mention the losses incurred by port users, shipping companies, including that of the PPA and the bureau of customs.

Among the charges poised to be filed are direct assault, violation of Article 153 on public disorder, use of placards to incite public disorder, contempt of the TRO, violation of Section 264 of the labor code to preventing and blocking the gates of the pier.

Obar said the gravest charge being prepared is against the use of children and women as human shield.*JG

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