Site for Pepeng victims ‘invaded’ by squatters

By Dexter A. See

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — A three-hectare relocation site in this province for victims of tropical storm “Pepeng” last year is now a haven of squatters, consequently displacing those who were supposed to relocate in the area.

Gov. Nestor B. Fongwan said the Tawang relocation site was supposed to host shelters for displaced residents of Barangay Little Kibungan whose houses had been destroyed in last year’s storm.

Earlier Typhoon Pepeng created a huge landslide at a residential mountain slope which buried 35 structures in Little Kibungan, killing 178 people and rendering 100 families homeless.

The Benguet State University, which owns the property, allowed its use for the typhoon victims after then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued a presidential proclamation declaring the site for use as a relocation area.

However, squatter started building temporary structures in the place occupying suitable areas where typhoon victims were supposed to construct their new houses.

Fongwan said the provincial and municipal governments must adapt measures to rid the place of squatters before the typhoon victims will be allowed to enter the premises of the relocation sites so there will be no problems once they occupy the identified lot allocations.

The municipal government already decided on demolishing all structures in the three-hectare area so calamity victims will occupy the relocation site intended for them.

Local officials are also coordinating with concerned government agencies to facilitate the eviction of the informal settlers at the soonest possible time to avoid violent incidents during the demolition.

As for the provincial government, Fongwan directed concerned government agencies to come out with contingency plans that will fast-track the eviction of squatters in favor of the typhoon victims.

Fongwan said there is an urgent need for the typhoon victims to immediately settle in the relocation site before the onslaught of the rainy season so that they will be able to enjoy the convenience of having a permanent home rather than stay with their relatives and cause inconvenience to them.

While the relocation site is distant from the town proper, the governor said it is still best to avail of the slots allocated to typhoon victims rather than burden their friends and relatives by staying with them for over a year now.