The Police Regional Office-Cordillera said it is now up to the court to decide on the fate of the alleged illegal settlers within Camp Dangwa La Trinidad, following its filing of suits over the matter.
“We already have an effort on that and have started the court process which while may take time, has to be commenced and let the future leaders implement the decision,” PRO-Cor Chief, B/Gen. Mafelino Bazar said.
Bazar said they cannot just evict the illegal settlers out of the property, noting “they are humans, too.”
At least 2.7 hectares of 79.90 hectares within the military reservation used by the PRO-Cor as headquarters, including that of several other attached units of the Philippine National Police, are occupied by informal settlers.
Reports said informal settlers are not just civilians but also non-uniformed personnel and police officers in active service.
For several years under different regional directors, the PRO-Cor has undertaken several actions to curb “squatting” and reclaim the land areas occupied by informal settlers.
However, these failed and led to tension between officers of the PRO-Cor and alleged illegal settlers. “This is the only way to put an end to the controversy, allowing the courts to take cognizance and let the future leaders of PRO-Cor implement the order that will result from the action we have now,” Bazar said. – PNA
