Relocation site eyed for evicted Fort Boni families

The Taguig City government is negotiating with Department of National Defense (DND) for the possible allocation of a lot that can be used to accommodate the families displaced by the demolition recently conducted by the Philippine Army recently.

Paul Michael Vasquez, Fort Bonifacio Satellite Government Center Area manager, said they are eyeing a four-hectare lot in Sitio Masigasig, Barangay Western Bicutan as a permanent relocation site.

"We are hopeful there will be a positive response to our request so that the issue of homelessness in the city can somehow be addressed," Vasquez said, adding they have been coordinating with concerned agencies to discuss the plan.

Last Thursday, members of the Philippine Army’s Task Force Bantay (TFB) tore down 184 shanties being occupied by some 300 families who encroached on a property belonging to the Philippine Army’s Military Shrine Services in Sitio Tago-Tago Barangay Western Bicutan.

"The site is not covered by any proclamation and is not for awarding to informal settlers. The subject property belongs to the government," Vasquez said.

Army spokesman Maj. Ernesto Torres said the government lot is intended for the expansion of the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio.

The city government has prepared temporary staging areas, including covered courts, for affected families.

"The mayor is also looking at the possibility of including qualified families in the Family Townhomes project, which would be built on a five-hectare property. – Rhodina Villanueva