Subic’s Ocean Adventure taken over by 70 armed men

MANILA, Philippines - Since February 13, Ocean Adventure theme park in Subic bay has been occupied by some 70 armed men preventing employees from entering, according to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Martin Diño.

Subic’s Ocean Adventure taken over by 70 armed men
PHOTO CREDIT: Wikimapia
A report by ABS-CBN News revealed that a group of former investors headed by Scott Niel Sharpe is responsible for the takeover. The said group overpowered security personnel and took control of Ocean Adventure.

The group forcefully evicted women from the staff dormitory, broke down several doors, opened vaults and demanded food and drinks. Ten people sustained injuries in the takeover.

In a statement Robert C. Braun, chairman of the Board of Directors of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium, Inc. (SBMEI) which operates Ocean Adventure said:

“We have come under attack by nearly 70 armed mercenaries, who came in the night, first abusing and evicting the women from the staff dormitory, displacing security… they broke down doors, forced open a vault and coerced scared staff to attend to their demands… nothing about this is other than thuggery.”

Following the physical take over, the group called for a “majority shareholders” meeting where Sharpe was appointed as Chairman and Braun as Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), reports Subic Bay News.

Meanwhile, Diño said that they are coordinating with authorities and police in order to reclaim the area from the group “anytime this week”.

"Full coordination na kami ngayon sa kapulisan at lahat ng authority para ma-takeover kasi that's a continuing threat, 'yang nangyayari d’yan,” Diño said.

Diño said they will not intrude if they have a business dispute but the group’s forceful entry without a court order is a grave violation.

"Kung halimbawa pong may dispute sila sa negosyo, hindi po tayo manghimasok doon, pero iyung manner po ng ginawa nila na pagpasok d'yan sa Ocean Adventure, iyung pamamaraan, pumasok sila d'yan nang walang court order, walang sheriff, isa po iyang grave violation,” Diño said.

Moreover, Diño is questioning as to why SBMA security with 800 security personnel failed to stop the 70 armed men.

"Biro n'yo security namin dito, nasa 800 tapos walang nagawa, e 70 lang iyan. Mananagot po lahat ng nagkulang dito," Diño added.

--Mini, The Summit Express



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