CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez has ordered a land developer to stop fencing its property in barangay Dumlog.
“You are ordered not to oppose and contradict my executive order. If you will not abide by my order, then we will be the ones to close your premises,” read the order of Fernandez dated May 8, and addressed to Joy Anthony Ong of Innoland Development Corp.
The order came after Innoland reportedly failed to heed the cease and desist order issued by the mayor last week, and went ahead with the construction of its perimeter fence without permits.
Charles Basillote, barangay Dumlog chairman and president of the Association of Barangay Councils, told the media that the barangay has not issued a clearance to Innoland to construct a fence around its property which is said to be developed into a residential subdivision.
Basillote said unless the firm agrees to provide a road right-of-way to the more than 50 affected families, the city will not issue it a permit.
The barangay chief said there is no other access road that residents can take once Innoland closes its property.
Basillote said Innoland had however refused to settle the issue despite demands from the barangay to agree on a public hearing, which Innoland reportedly ignored.
Basillote said the government is willing to buy the small portion from the company.
In yesterday’s public hearing at Barangay Dumlog hall, representatives from Innoland promised to stop development in the property until the issue is settled. – (FREEMAN)