Friday, June 13, 2008 Town asks Napocor to submit proof of settlement By Jane Cadalig
MUNICIPAL officials of Itogon, Benguet asked the National Power Corporation (Napocor) to submit documents that would prove it has settled the claims of families displaced by the construction of the Binga Dam.
This is part of the efforts done by the Municipal Government to settle the claims of the displaced people, who said the Napocor's settlement was unjust, unsatisfactory and inhumane.
The Municipal Council asked Napocor to submit documents that would prove the affected families were duly compensated, relocated in Palawan and were provided with sustainable livelihood projects.
"These claims by Napocor have been questioned by the heirs of the affected indigenous peoples as they adjudged the same as unjust and confiscatory, unsatisfactory and inhumane," the Itogon resolution said.
Town officials said there is a need to reconcile the arguments of Napocor, and the claimants for proper legislative actions.
Earlier, the local government formed a task force to look into the issues and concerns of the indigenous claimants, which hound the impending turnover of Binga to its winning bidder -- the SN Aboitiz Power (Snap).
"There is a need to reconcile the contending arguments of (Napocor) and the affected families through the provision of documents so that appropriate legislative documentations shall be made, which may possibly lead to the formulation of compromise agreements by and between the contending parties," officials said.
Four clans, including the heirs of Pedro Lampitao, have renewed calls for Napocor to return the unused lands, and address unsettled claims before Snap takes over Binga.
