DENR: Calanggaman Island unclassified

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 8’s investigation showed that the controversial Calanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, is indeed an unclassified public forest as it has never been subjected to the present system of land classification.

DENR-8 regional director Regidor de Leon in his letter to Palompon, Leyte, municipal assessor Gloria Bongbong, said that despite such classification, the said island was subject to the commerce of men contrary to law.

The island is now covered by tax declaration number 08-31048-00773 issued in the name of Edifice Realty and Development Corp.

Calanggaman Island became controversial following the declaration of bank holiday made by the Legacy Group owned by Celso delos Angeles.

It was later found out that one of Delos Angeles’ corporations, Edifice Realty and Development Corp., owns the said island and the disgruntled depositors wanted it be garnished.

Municipal Councilor Jesus Villardo III said that the local government of Palompon, Leyte, through a series of resolutions, objected and opposed the sale and transfer of the said island to the said corporation.

“In conformity with the recommendations and/or findings of the team, we are requesting your good office to please take favorable action to cancel said tax declaration issued to the corporation, as the basis for transfer and issuance of said tax declaration is found to be without leg to stand on,” De Leon’s letter read.

Likewise, provincial assessor Rafael Iriarte directed Pioquinto Holasca, the assistant provincial assessor to revise the latest tax declaration of Calanggaman Island as it belongs to the Republic of the Philippines.

Calanggaman Island is a strip of land with an area of less than 10 hectares situated approximately 12 kilometers from the shoreline of the mainland of Palompon, Leyte.

Calanggaman Island has always been identified with Palompon, with its rich marine environment that serves as traditional fishing grounds of the local fisherfolk and a communal area for swimming and social gatherings of local residents. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP (FREEMAN NEWS)