Agrarian Reform Sec. Nasser Pangandaman on Monday apologized for an alleged mauling incident involving his son, his son's bodyguards, and two golfers at the Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo City Friday afternoon.
In an interview over radio dzBB, Pangandaman said as a government official, it was his responsibility to pacify both camps regarding the incident that he said no one wanted to happen.
"Bilang isang government official ako ay humihingi ng paumanhin sa nangyari, hindi naman po kagustuhan ng bawat isa ito (As a government official, I am apologizing for the incident, no one wanted this to happen)," said Pangandaman.
Pangandaman's son and namesake who is mayor of Masiu town in Lanao del Sur, along with his five bodyguards, allegedly beat up golfers Delfin de la Paz and his 14-year-old son after a brief spat inside the golf course.
The DAR chief expressed hope that authorities will be able to resolve the issue soon.
"Ongoing po ang imbestigasyon na ito sana po maresolba ng maaga (I hope the ongoing investigation will be resolved as soon as possible)," said the elder Pangandaman, who said a mere "misunderstanding" caused the brawl.
On Saturday, Antipolo City police said they would file physical injuries charges against the younger Pangandaman and his five bodyguards over the incident, a report over radio dzBB said.
Radio dzRH had earlier reported that the De la Paz family filed on Friday night a complaint with Antipolo City police for physical injuries and violation of the law protecting women and minors.
De la Paz said he was with his 14-year-old son Bino and 18-year-old daughter Bambi at the golf course when, at around 1 p.m., the DAR chief and his son overtook them at one of the holes.
This prompted De la Paz to ask a marshal to have them get back in line, but when they were playing at the fifth hole, Pangandaman Jr allegedly voiced impatience with Dela Paz's slow playing.
De la Paz said the bodyguards of Pangandaman Jr beat him up and his 14-year-old son who tried to pacify the attackers. His daughter tried to stop the attack, he said.
After the scuffle, De la Paz said he and his children trudged back to the clubhouse but the Pangandamans, with their bodyguards, followed them.
Pangandaman Jr also reportedly poked a finger at De la Paz's 14-year-old son and said, "tatandaan kita (I will remember you)."
Moreover, when his elder son and wife arrived at the clubhouse with baseball bats, Pangandaman Jr's bodyguards allegedly drew handguns.
For his part, Pangandaman Jr said he talked with the elder De la Paz in a nice way but the man hit him instead with an umbrella and hurled invectives and twice challenged him to a fight.
THIS ARTICLE WRITTEN BY Johanna Camille Sisante AND LINKED FROM GMANews.TV