Monday, August 20, 2007 Swift titling of lots within Madrigal Estate in Kalinga urged
TO PREVENT further conflicts from arising, the survey and awarding of untitled lots at the disputed Madrigal Estate in Rizal, Kalinga is being pushed.
Rizal Municipal Administrator Marcelo dela Cruz called on concerned agencies to fast track the titling and subsequent awarding of the lots to the rightful claimants.
This, he said, would put an end to the hostility from the land crisis involving the Madrigal Estate.
The claims are processed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
Dela Cruz, his son, town mayor Chrismark, and several others survived an ambush last August 8.
Dela Cruz believed the attack was perpetrated by people affected by the June 25 demolition in Malapiat, Barangay San Pascual. Nine persons were killed and 13 others were injured during the demolition that turned into a bloody encounter.
The Rizal Municipal Government last June led the demolition of illegally built huts and houses at sitio Malapiat. The area is within the disputed Madrigal Estate.
Dela Cruz said until all the areas covered by the estate are titled and awarded to the rightful claimants, violence would persist.
He said the August 8 incident, which occurred at Alibangbang, Liwan West, was the third attempt on him since he led the first demolition in August 2003 as the town mayor.
The Madrigal Estate covers Barangays San Pascual, Macutay, Balabag and San Quintin. The area is subject to various overlapping claims, which, dela Cruz said was aggravated by the illegal occupants. (JC)
