SAN JOSE, Antique – Informal settlers composed of 40 households near the port in this capital town were seeking assistance from the provincial government to prevent them from being evicted in the area.
Provincial Board Member Pio Jessielito Sumande on Tuesday said a Writ of Execution penned by Presiding Judge Gemma Bordon Tady of the Municipal Trial Court in San Jose town on Dec. 17, 2019, ordered the informal settlers to vacate the area.
Sumande assisted the informal settlers in seeking help from the provincial government.
“The informal settlers had been occupying the lot for more than 50 years and so they are requesting the provincial government to assist them to buy the lot,” Sumande said.
He added the informal settlers – mostly fishermen or cargo handlers – are residing in the 4,000-square meter lot owned by Mary Ann Sibya.
He said they could not afford the P6,000-per square meter price asked by the lot owner, prompting them to ask for the help of the government through its housing program.
“The informal settlers also asked the assistance of the San Jose local government unit to which Mayor Elmer Untaran has vowed to help,” he added.
Sumande hoped with the help of the provincial government and the San Jose local government unit, they could raise the needed amount for the lot.
He said whatever amount they could give them, they will use it as an advance payment to the lot owner while they will pay the remaining amount through a lending institution, which is still under negotiation.(With a report from PNA/PN)
7000+ residents of Port Barton Palawan are also being threatened by ruthless DENR officials with eviction.