Intrusion alarms Apas homeowners

CEBU, Philippines - A homeowners association in Barangay Apas raised a concern on intrusion and illegal cutting of trees within a socialized housing area to the city government.

Cebu City councilor Alvin Dizon, chairman of the committee on Housing, received the letter dated January 30 and endorsed it for the city council’s consideration last February 13.

Alliance of Barangay Apas Community Associations (ABACA), through its president Ma. Linda Paracuelles, asked the city government “to help stop the illegal intrusion and consequently the cutting of trees” within the proclaimed socialized housing lots.

“ABACA has sat down with shelter agencies, DENR and stakeholders of the lots proclaimed socialized housing in Barangay Apas on the issue of intrusion of new settlers at the sites as well as the reported cutting of trees to give way to new settlements and an ocular inspection was done to confirm the said reports,” Paracuelles said in her letter addressed to Dizon.

Apas barangay captain Ramil Ayuman said his office was informed of the ocular and sent a representative to join the investigation.

Intruders allegedly let the trees die a seemingly natural death by stripping its bark, Paracuelles’ letter said.

Ten of the 11-page letter showed pictures of the alleged illegal structures and the damaged trees.

ABACA noted that most of the structures were unoccupied “meaning intruders just built the structures for speculating purposes.”

Selling of lands rights were also reported, the letter added.

The barangay council is aware of such concern and has, in fact, demolished at least three houses, Ayuman told The FREEMAN.

“Admittedly, naa na siya nga concern. Duna na tay aksyon ana last year pa. In fact, the government has issued cease and desist order to sprouting illegal structures in the area,” he explained.

The barangay council has been in coordination with the provincial government since late last year, he said.

“We even signed a memorandum of agreement sometime in November-December with the province that we are going to police the area for further intrusion. And we have successfully removed around three illegal settlers,” Ayuman told The FREEMAN.

Ayuman suggested stricter security monitoring to be provided by the provincial government.

“Being the lot owner, the provincial government should provide security personnel to make sure no more intrusions occur,” he added. (FREEMAN)