Itogon typhoon victims plead for lots; firm wants them out

By Dianne Estino

ITOGON, Benguet -- Displaced families here still do not have permanent addresses two years after Typhoon Pepeng devastated this mining town even as Benguet Corp. wants them out from its premises.

Sitio Luneta, Barangay Loacan has homeless families still awaiting approval of relocation sites tagged U17 and U18.

There are still over 50 families housed in tents and shanties on a private mining site owned by Benguet Corp. a few meters away their original houses.

“We want to move to the relocation site in Anteg-in because we do not have homes now. We are only temporary settlers here, said Leticia Mejia, Luneta resident. “It is dangerous here as the rainy season is approaching.”

The men are now employed as miners while women serve as housewives and collect mine remains at times for livelihood.

Barangay Loacan captain Henry Diamnuan said, “Benguet Corporation is forcing the residents to vacate since the site is hazardous. I said don’t force them because they don’t have settlements, let us help each other fast track the approval of the relocation site.

Benguet Corporation is responsible as the mining diversion tunnel was one cause of the landslide that displaced residents,” Diamnuan added.

The Itogon government earlier forwarded a resolution on Nov. 18, 2010 requesting Benguet Rep. Ronald Cosalanto sponsor a bill declaring the relocations sites as alienable and disposable land.