Bacolod Lawmaker Warns Against Intimidation, Veiled Threats

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya called on the public to remain vigilant and to speak out against any form of threat or intimidation.

This statement followed a viral social media post resembling an obituary for Gasataya, which circulated over the weekend.

“Let us not allow these despicable acts and behaviors to disrupt the peace we have worked so hard to achieve and maintain,” Gasataya said in a statement posted on his social media page on Saturday.

Gasataya revealed that an anonymous post on Facebook appeared to be a veiled threat against his life.

“I take such actions seriously—not only as a public servant but also as someone who values life and the well-being of my family and loved ones,” he said.

He condemned the threats, saying, “Let me make this clear: threats, intimidation, and fear-mongering have no place in our community, and certainly not in our democracy.”

Gasataya also decried what he described as “desperate political tactics,” asserting that he would not allow these distractions to hinder his responsibilities.

“I despise these desperate political tactics and will not allow them to distract me from performing my duties with diligence and integrity in serving the City of Bacolod,” he added.

The congressman emphasized his commitment to a violence-free election.

“I take to heart the commitment we made when we filed our candidacy with the Comelec for elections free of violence,” Gasataya stressed.

In response to the allegations, Bacolod Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, who is running against Gasataya for the city’s mayoralty in the May 2025 midterm elections, denied any involvement in the social media post.

Familiaran asserted that neither he nor his family was behind the issue, which Gasataya considers a form of intimidation.

“It is impossible to control supporters, and I have no idea who is making such posts,” Familiaran said.

He added, “The public knows me well—I have no enemies. Intimidation is not my style because I advocate for peace.”

Familiaran and Gasataya are both serving their last terms as vice mayor and congressman, respectively, and are set to face off in the upcoming elections.