‘Gata 4’ commemoration marked by tears

CARAMOAN, Camarines Sur --- Tears flowed as residents of Brgy. Gata, Caramoan, Camarines Sur watched the film Oro in the makeshift covered court-turned-cinema in the morning of the 3rd year anniversary of the infamous Gata 4 Massacre that took the lives of four small-scale miners in the gold-rich town. The controversial film, a finalist in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival and megged by Bicolano filmmaker Alvin Yapan, was inspired by real events dealing a fatal blow to the true personalities alluded to in the movie. As narrated by Brgy. Gata Chairman Mercy Sueno, armed men of the Sagip Kalikasan, the environment protection group closely identified with Camarines Sur Governor Migz Villafuerte, figured in the bloody killing. Joining the victims’ families to commemorate the tragic event was 4th District Representative Noli Fuentebella who conveyed his message of support inspiration, and hope for the beleaguered community. Fuentebella assured the people of his resolute determination to leave no stone unturned in the quest for justice of the victims’ families. sci