Social media personality Rendon Labador has reacted after being declared persona non grata along with Rosmar Tan in the entire province of Palawan.
In a post on his Facebook page, he shared a photo of himself on a beach in Coron, Palawan, accompanied by a heartfelt message. “Sana panaginip lang ang lahat, nagkatampuhan lang tayo pero wala parin akong ibang hangad kundi ang ikabubuti mo. Andito lang ako kapag kailangan mo ako.” he wrote.
Rendon also expressed his gratitude for the wonderful memories he had in the place. “Maraming salamat sa mga magagandang ala-ala, ma-mimiss kita. Hanggang sa muli.” he added.
Before being declared persona non grata, Rendon and his group, including Rosmar Tan, issued a public apology to the staff and officials in Coron.
It can be recalled that the declaration of persona non grata stemmed from their attempt to distribute aid to residents, which ended in a confrontation where a municipal staff member was berated and shouted at, leading to a public outcry on social media.
The incident that led to the persona non grata declaration began when Rendon and his group traveled to Coron to assist the local community. However, the situation took a negative turn when a municipal employee expressed concerns on social media about how the aid was being distributed. The employee’s post highlighted issues such as the lack of coordination with local authorities and the perceived arrogance of the aid distributors.
In response, Rendon and his team confronted the municipal staff, resulting in a heated exchange where the staff member was shouted at and berated. The incident quickly spread on social media, drawing criticism from netizens and local officials alike. The public outcry prompted the local government to take action, ultimately leading to the decision to declare Rendon Labador and Rosmar Tan persona non grata in the province of Palawan.
Despite the controversy, Rendon’s post reflected a tone of reconciliation and regret. His message conveyed a desire to mend the strained relationship and an appreciation for the positive experiences he had in Coron. However, the declaration of persona non grata means that he and Rosmar Tan are now unwelcome in the province, a significant setback for their public image and their philanthropic efforts.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and proper coordination when undertaking charitable activities, especially in communities that may already be vulnerable. The hope remains that lessons will be learned from this experience, fostering better understanding and cooperation in future endeavors.