Officials of the Agdao Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Agdao Co-op) are considering filing legal complaints against former members and employees who forcibly entered their head office on March 29. The National Bureau of Investigation – Region XI (NBI-XI) reported that around 50 individuals, allegedly led by Ronnie Sobridella, stormed the Agdao Co-op headquarters along Torres St., Obrero, Davao City. Agdao Co-op legal counsel Gibb Andrew Cabahug stated that potential charges could include coercion, physical injury, property damage, and attempted robbery. He accused the group of attempting to destroy office doors and steal official documents, describing them as “misinformed” and criticizing them for involving elderly individuals. Cabahug denied allegations of corruption by the incumbent officials, emphasizing the need for evidence and noting an ongoing case in the Court of Appeals regarding the cooperative’s leadership. NBI-XI regional director Archie Albao reported that the group arrived around 9 p.m., some carrying axes, and sprayed liquid at responding police officers while demanding the resignation of the current management. The incident follows a leadership split in August 2024, with factions supporting Michael John Gestopa and Alexander Malaque as general manager. Gestopa did not recognize a recent “general assembly” held by members, as it lacked approval from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). Agdao Co-op stated that the situation was controlled without major incidents but acknowledged illegal breaches and property damage. Gestopa expressed readiness to address allegations of financial misuse and corruption in the proper legal forum.
