PNP breaks ground for training center but ownership of lot still being contested

CEBU, Philippines - The groundbreaking of the five-hectare lot in barangay Jugan in Consolacion town for the Philippine National Police Regional Training Center in Central Visayas has reopened the controversy over the ownership of the lot, The Freeman has learned.

In a talk with The Freeman, Consolacion town Mayor Teresa Alegado confirmed there is now a pending case in court filed by a Manila-based developer against top officials of the Police Regional Training School who are pushing for the construction of a training center.

Robredo attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the training center in barangay Jugan that signalled the start of the project.

She refused to provide the details of the case but Alegado said that the case started during the administration of former mayor Avelino Gungob, Sr.

Gungob allegedly entered into an agreement with a Manila-based developer to develop a portion of the 93-hectare proposed government center in barangay Nangka.

The developer undertook the reclamation project of the place which allegedly is the same place given by Mayor Gungob to the Police Regional Training School.

Officials of the Police Regional Training School had secured the necessary papers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that allowed them to push through with the project.

The developer raised its protest to DENR but failed to get a favorable decision, prompted it to bring the case to court.

During his visit, Robredo had assured Alegado that his office will look into the problem.