Roxas camp defends Mar comic book: Created by supporters to set Yolanda record straight

The camp of administration bet Mar Roxas on Monday defended the release of a comic book featuring the candidate during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, saying it was created by supporters to set the record straight about his role in government efforts during the deluge.

"Ang comics ay gawa ng mga supporters na gustong ipaalam sa ating mga kababayan ang ginawa ni Mar sa Yolanda. Ginawa ito dahil sa patuloy na pagkalat ng kasinungalingan tungkol sa kanyang mga nagawa," said Akbayan party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez, the spokesman for the Roxas' Liberal Party-led coalition, in a statement.

While the comic book's dramatization of Roxas' actions was only “natural,” Gutierrez said the LP stands by what he did when the supertyphoon struck.

"Bilang comics, natural na may dramatisasyon ito. Matagal nang nailahad ang katotohanan tungkol sa mga nagawa ni Mar sa Yolanda. Malinaw ang record niya dito, at pinaninindigan namin ito," Gutierrez added.

The comic book, titled “Sa Gitna ng Unos” quickly became viral on social media after photos of its cover and contents were posted by netizens. It was reportedly distributed for the first time during the birthday party of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairman Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi in Cavite on Sunday, an event that was attended by President Benigno Aquino III and other LP stalwarts.

Its cover features a drawing of Roxas herding people to safety as waves deluged houses and cars. Beneath the title is the text: "Batay sa tunay na pangyayari."

The 28-page comic book detailed the progress of Roxas' political career, from the time he was elected as the district representative of Capiz, until he became a senator, and a Cabinet secretary. It ended with his endorsement by Aquino as the administration's presidential candidate.

Yolanda record

What appeared to have drawn flak from netizens, however, is the comic's depiction of Roxas' involvement in the government's response to typhoon Yolanda's onslaught.

According to one of the panels, Roxas, then the Interior Secretary, was already in Tacloban a day before Yolanda made landfall on Nov. 8, 2013 to relay Aquino's instructions on government response to the supertyphoon with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

When the typhoon struck, Roxas was featured in the comic book as insisting on having the affected residents seek shelter in the hotel he was in.

"Muntik-muntik ng mapahamak si Mar sa lupit ng Yolanda!" the text on another panel read.

Although lines of power and communication were cut because of the typhoon, the comic said Roxas continued to do everything he can to help Yolanda victims and ensure the speedy implementation of the national government's post-disaster response.

"Walang linya ng komunikasyon, walang kuryente, walang telepono pero kumilos pa rin si Mar Roxas," a text in one of the comic book's panels read.

Tacloban-based writer Lottie Salarda said Roxas never knew that Yolanda will hit the area as early as 5 a.m.

"I was there. Many survivors were there also. I was even present during the press conference where he said that there will be a meeting at 8:00am on November 8.

"Meaning, he NEVER knew that the storm will hit as early as 5am. Tapos ngayon HERO siya? Wala siyang alam. It will be between his story and our stories. To all Roxas supporters, I'm sorry but your Presidential candidate is insane," she said.

The satire website Adobo Chronicles has joined in poking fun at the comic book featuring Roxas, posting a fake news article claiming that the administration candidate is Marvel Comic's new superhero. —Xianne Arcangel/JST/KG, GMA News