By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Press Club President Renato ‘Aksyon Boy’ Duran extended an apology to Provincial Planning and Development Office coordinator, Dr. Ma. Lina Sanogal, over the comments made by radio anchor and club Vice President Rico Gantalao, who earlier issued an apology, over the distribution of sardines to troops who recently returned from the Marawi conflict.

In a letter sent by Duran yesterday morning, he said the press club acknowledges her complaint and the club has initiated necessary and immediate actions to address the issue.

Duran stated they called a meeting earlier this week, where Gantalao admitted to his actions.

He also called the issue “resolved” after requesting Gantalao issue the said apology, both on his social media account and his radio program on Radyo Bandera Sweet FM-Bacolod.

Gantalao assured the club that he would reach out to the people who shared his earlier statement and make the “necessary rectification.”

Duran added, he also issued a warning to Gantalao regarding stiffer penalties and sanctions if he commits a similar act in the future.

Gantalao earlier issued an apology for his actions claiming “his emotions got ahead of him” after hearing the story of 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) First Sergeant of the 31st Division Reconnaissance Company, Technical Sergeant Jose Lumayno, who said they only ate canned food during the duration of the conflict.

The radio personality stated he only understood the purpose of the sardines after 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander, Major General Jon Aying, said it is a long-standing tradition for them to serve the canned food every time they have a boodle fight./DGB, WDJ