Task force vows to solve bloody Kalinga land case

RIZAL, Kalinga – The newly re-organized Task Force Malapiat vowed to finally solve by December a controversial land problem here earlier marred by the killing of 10 settlers and wounding of 10 police officers.

This was the assurance of task force members headed by Vice Gov. Allen Jesse Mangaoang after it got the cooperation of affected parties particularly those who allegedly bought lands from intervenors.

Gov. Jocel Baac recently issued executive order 2010-15, ordering reactivation of said task force and directing the same to deal with the issue of properly identifying the land claims of rightful claimants to resolve the problem and to avoid repetition of the June 25, 2007 incident wherein violence between protagonists ensued.

The Task Force communicated with occupants to bring back parties to negotiate on acceptable solutions to issues on the disputed area of the Hacienda Madrigal-Susana Realty Incorporated property.

The problem area of 16.5 hectares was won in court by one intervenor but it was occupied by settlers who claimed to have brought the lots.

Armed conflict erupted on June 25, 2007 when the local government unit of Rizal, police and the military demolished structures built by occupants in the area resulting to the death of nine settlers and wounding of 10 police officers.

During the meeting, provincial legal officer Kristian Wandag , who is also task force vice chairman, said they will endeavor to come up with a very objective and truthful survey to gain the trust of the people.

The group planned to hold a dialogue involving all parties to come up with a unanimous agreement before conducting the re-survey as requested particularly by the settlers.

The inter-agency task force was also tasked to conduct proper identification of all claims of rightful claimants in accordance with the decision of the court relative to said Hacienda Madrigal-Susana Realty Incorporated case.

The task force is also expected to ensure impartial, smooth and peaceful settlement of the land conflict employing all possible extrajudicial remedies which are in accordance with law or appropriate indigenous practices acceptable to both parties. -- PIA-Kalinga