Town launches two task forces

CEBU, Philippines -  With its growing economic activity, the municipality of Consolacion has created task forces to monitor the town's river and informal settlers occupying danger zones and government-owned lots.

Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado said the creation of two task forces was in preparation for the effects of urban development in her town.

According to Mayor Alegado, the special task force called R-SAF (river guards) is responsible for foreseeing river clogging and carrying out maintenance duties for drainage canals along the national highway.

Mayor Alegado also said another task force, called the MARINES Team, will manage illegal settling activities in the town, especially in the coastal areas of Tugbongan, Tayud, Nangka and Jugan and along the Villaroca Lake, in Poblacion Occidental easement, in riverbanks, as well in Barangays Pulpogan, Danglag, Casili and Garing.

The mayor further said MARINES Team is also tasked to guard the town's environment against illegal structures built.

Specifically, they will demolish houses without necessary permits and apprehend individuals by the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Municipal Legal Office and Municipal Engineering Office in Barangays Tayud, Pulpogan, Jugan, Danglag and Nangka, the mayor said.  (FREEMAN)