CRY FOR JUSTICE
Oro’s legendary coach loses bout vs Covid-19
COVID time finally shook the Cagayan de Oro sports community the harsh way and in heart-breaking manner when it claimed the life of legendary basketball coach Felixberto “Bobong” Gabales.
The long-time hoops mentor of Cagayan de Oro College (COC) Scorpions, who later joined the South Western University (SWU-Phinma) in Cebu City, succumbed to the dreaded disease on June 23 after a complication of pneumonia and was cremated on June 25. He was 62.
A nephew, Dave Wong Tilap, posted this announcement on his Facebook account: “In behalf of Gabales Family, it’s a tragic news to inform everyone that our uncle Felixberto “Bobong” Coach Bong Gabales lost his battle against Covid-19 in Cebu. Tito, your kindness and greatness will always be remembered especially with your anak-anakans in COC.”
After the news came out, outpouring condolences from friends, relatives, religious peers and especially former varsity players of the COC Scorpions flooded in social media network as the late Gabales -- whose coaching antics and signature “character” gestures that always drew attraction in any basketball game -- were so beloved and treasured in the local sporting circle.
“Aside sa coach ni siya sa COC Scorpions, coach napud ni siya sa tanan. Super ka maabi-abihon. Managad gyud ni siya namo mga students sa COC,” said one Jonah Taganile Abalde.
“Dili nako malimtan imong kamaayo sir, tinood gyod ka nga nagpangga sa mga studyante,” Mrckhynnhy Ranile shared.
To some of Gabales’ trusted playmakers such as Elvis “Dodong” Pahilan, Cyrus Diango and Raymond Mercader, the simple reminder “focus do” and “limti-limti lang ang adlaw makahuman ra lagi ka’g eskwela” is a legend that will resonate to many young and budding studentathletes from poor families that he helped become a better person someday.
“You have been a secret hero to many in giving scholarships to the youth, at least 20 scholars in every municipalities of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon and Camiguin, your work enthusiasm has been an inspiration to us,” coach Bonggab’s erstwhile charges said in unison, who also remembered him for always encouraging them that “walay lisod nga trabaho kung ikaw malipayon sa imong gibuhat.”
FACULTY members and staff of Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan (XU) staged a gathering outside the campus on Friday ( June 26) to express their support on the indictment of several persons allegedly responsible in the death of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet 4th class Darwin Dormitorio.
Against the backdrop of a black streamer that calls for justice for Dormitorio’s death, the group including a handful of students in Cagayan de Oro City offered prayers and roses to remember the life of Dormitorio.
Nestor Banuag Jr., director for Student Social Involvement and Advocacy Program at XU, said the gathering was part of the university’s effort in engaging in solidarity with Dormitorio’s family and all the victims of hazing, torture, and other forms of physical maltreatment and abuse.
“This is part of our effort seven months ago. We are seeking justice for Darwin,” Banuag said.
In a recent statement, XU said: “We stand firm in our aim to abhor any act of abuse and violence, prevent torment-induced deaths, and to promote a non-aggressive campus, to serve justice to our fellow Atenean.”
Dormitorio was a senior high school graduate at XU before he enrolled at the PMA.
In a 66-page resolution signed by a three-man panel of prosecutors in Baguio City, criminal charges for violation of the AntiHazing Law were filed against two PMA cadets and murder charges against three medical officers of the academy.
In a phone interview Friday, Dormitorio’s elder brother, Dexter, said they are relieved with the indictment of the suspects.
“We are grateful that the prosecutors concurred with our position regarding the Anti-Hazing Law being applicable in PMA,” he said, emphasizing that “our enemy is hazing and not the institution”.
He said their family was somewhat dissatisfied with the resolution “because the Anti-Hazing law of 2008 was only selectively and partially applied despite overwhelming evidence supporting our cause against all respondents.”
“We only yearn for fair justice but at this juncture, we feel like we are already being deprived of it. Right now, we are still reviewing the resolution and we will consider all possible legal options,” he said. (PNA)