QC vows to stop entry of evicted squatters

The Quezon City government is ready to stop any organized attempt by informal settler from neighboring communities to open new squatters colony in the city.

In his report to Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Urban Poor Affairs Office (UPAO) chief Ramon Asper said measures have been implemented to monitor movement of residents evicted from squatter colonies.

Currently being implemented by the city government is the mobilization of the barangay for surveillance and monitoring underdeveloped subdivisions and vacant areas, which could be targeted by professional squatters.

The mayor urged barangay officials, police and city government personnel to work together in enforcing laws against squatting, saying small property owners are also entitled to protection under the law.

Squatting syndicates often erect temporary structures on vacant lots in various parts of the city to claim "ownership" of the property. — Perseus Echeminada