The Bacolod City Legal Office temporarily halted its planned demolition of houses in Purok Katilingban, Barangay 39, Bacolod City, following intense negotiations with a group called Hiligaynon Sectoral Tribal Incorporated on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Authorities said that the land where some members of the group reside is owned by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and will be used for the construction of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) building.
Enrico Nicor, the tribal chieftain, claimed that the lot was owned by a certain Acopiado of DGMA DAMA Foundation Incorporated and that the title had been transferred to the residents.
However, authorities cited that the document presented by the group is null and void.
The city and barangay council invited the tribal chieftain for a peaceful conversation at the Barangay Hall, but he declined, stating that he would only follow orders from their group’s chairman.
“They cannot enter our land; that is trespassing. If they file a summons against me, I will appear, but if none, I will not, as advised by our chairman,” Nicor said.
Tensions escalated when Rommel Yulo arrived, claiming that the government has no right to claim the land, which he said was owned by General Absalon Borci of the Kingdom Hacienda Filipino Autocratic Sovereignty Monarchy.
Yulo further stated that the entire Philippines is owned by the general and that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is only a judicial administrator.
The tribal group later denied any affiliation with Yulo.
Meanwhile, Retired Col. Levy Pangue of the Enforcement Team said that the PCSO had initiated a meeting with the affected residents last week, but none attended, forcing them to proceed with the demolition order.
Barangay 39 Chief Dante Danoy clarified that the lot was owned by the Lizares family, which eventually donated it to the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental to serve as a training center for students at Negros Occidental High School.
The City Legal Office said the demolition has been temporarily halted to prevent possible chaos and due to inclement weather conditions.*
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