Gorgonio: I provided legal services for them

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Martial Law victims who received their respective claims from the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) yesterday claimed a certain Atty. Rey Gorgonio threatened them and reportedly demanded 20 percent of their reparations.

During a press conference at the Negros Press Cub, around 30 claimants from across the province affirmed they were visited by “hired men in tinted vehicles” with a demand letter.

Ma. Fe Tanallon of Barangay San Jose, Binalbagan, who was compensated P1.7 million, claimed Gorgonio demanded 20 percent of the allotment.

She added, the attorney threatened to sue her.

“I don’t know what case he [would filed against me,” Tanallon stated. “We [had] not agreed on any arrangement and we paid for the notarization of our documents.”

The accusers also presented the said demand letter, which all stipulated the same 20 percent.

Tanallon pointed out, the “messengers” also informed them “something bad” would happen if they did not comply by the demands.

Meanwhile, a certain Tony Relota, a supposed employee of Gorgonio, was reportedly identified as the messenger delivering demand letters to Bago City residents.

In response, Gorgonio said cases were already filed against the group and he will let the court decide on the matter.

The attorney said he rendered legal services for them and accused the group of trying to evade their legal responsibility.

“Demand letters were sent for them to comply with their legal obligation to me,” Gorgonio stated./DGB, WDJ