Illegal occupants of CDO government land property issue public apology
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – At least seven among the many informal settlers who illegally occupied a portion of the government-owned land property in Zayas, Carmen village here have issued a public apology Monday, April 4 at the city mayor's office.
The seven informal settlers were identified as Peter Cabugao, Rey Egol, Joseph Alolino both are city residents; and Racwel Mesa, Leonielyn Galasanay, Lynde Taal and Livema Taal who are from the province of Bukidnon.
One of the illegal occupants even asked for forgiveness from the local government, saying that they were also victims of false promises from the government.
“I would like to apologize to the city government for entering the area that is not included in the said free lot. To the people, don't enter the area because we are one of the victims of the alleged free lot," Joseph Alolino, one of the illegal occupants, said in vernacular.
It can be recalled that on March 6, a number of residents from different areas, not just in this city, claimed that the said area in Zayas - the city's old dumpsite and now turning to an Eco-Park - belongs to the indigenous people and a certain 'Datu' has authorized them to enter.
Engr. Armen Cuenca, the department head of the City Local and Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), the in-charge of the City Eco-Park, reprimanded some of the illegal settlers.
However, the CLENRO has already sought police assistance and arrested the said seven individuals, as the same group of illegal settlers returned to the area on March 14 and conducted activities such as measuring and placing markers inside the property.
The arrested individuals had been detained at the custodial facility of Carmen Police Station 4 for over a week.
According to the official report from the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), investigation revealed that a certain Datu had brainwashed the informal settlers by taking the land in return of Php1,500 for the reservation and processing fee.
In the same online public apology, Cuenca said there is a manifestation from the respondents' lawyer that the violators will be forgiven.
City mayor Oscar Moreno, Cuenca said, has already positive feedback on the said matter. However, the illegal settlers must execute a written affidavit and a public apology.
"They are here now and we have heard their apologies for the violation that they have committed. On April 6, we will submit an affidavit that they are done with the public apology and the written affidavit on the said matter," Cuenca said.
Cuenca reiterated to the public that the city government has a socialized housing program headed by the City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD).
The public has urged to visit CHUDD as there will be a process on how to avail the socialized housing unit of the government.