05/07/2026
Statement of FO5 PYAP President Mico Jay Columbres
To our dear PYAP members and the 30 participants from Barangay Tumitus,
I have received reports regarding an incident that occurred during your visit to Barangay Vitali. First and foremost, I pray for the safety, healing, and well-being of everyone involved.
As members of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP), we are called to remain calm, united, and respectful during any situation. While different people may have different beliefs and interpretations of what happened, I encourage everyone to avoid spreading rumors, misinformation, or statements that may create unnecessary fear or confusion.
Let us instead focus on supporting one another, staying vigilant, and following the guidance of our local officials, community leaders, and health authorities whenever needed. Our strength as an organization is shown through discipline, compassion, and unity.
I also encourage all PYAP members to continue praying for the protection and guidance of every participant and to look after one another during all PYAP activities. May this experience remind us to always prioritize safety, responsibility, and respect for every community we visit.
Together, let us remain strong, hopeful, and committed to serving our communities with integrity and love.
Mico Jay Columbres
FO5 PYAP President