Benque Marching Band Faces Court Battle Over Noise Pollution Claims

Bandfest 2024 is a few weeks away and as bands perfect their performance for the June 29 event, the Benque Marching Band is faced with a court matter.  In April, Nicholasito Ruiz, filed an application in the court citing the band as a nuisance and noise pollution.  The matter has left many in disbelief as they have coined the band practice as a constructive release for young people.  Last night, Benque’s Mayor, Jorge Rosalez had expressed support for the band and its practice.  Weighing in on the issue today was Minister of Culture and History, Francis Fonseca.

Francis Fonseca, Chairman, National Celebrations Commission: “I certainly would urge people to sit down and have a responsible, respectful dialogue. When we’re preparing for the September celebrations there will be some noise and the bands have to practice. So there’s some disruption. I know it in my own constituency. We always have to close off St. Thomas Street so that Miss Carla and her band, the Mother Nature crowd, could practice on St. Thomas. So there’s always some disruption, so I would hope that whatever differences exist, I mean, those can be resolved amicably.”

Love News spoke with Ruiz earlier today who indicated that he wouldn’t want the band to stop practicing, and that he would rather that it is not done so close to his home.