Malabon creates task force vs ‘professional squatters’

MANILA, Philippines - The Malabon City government has approved the creation of a task force that will identify professional squatters and members of squatting syndicates.

Mayor Antolin Oreta III recently signed into law a proposed city ordinance authored by Councilor Edwin Gregorio Dimagiba.

Aside from identifying professional squatters, the body is also tasked to provide legal assistance to victims of professional squatting and identify public officials or private individuals suspected of abetting or tolerating the commission of said acts.

The task force will also serve as the implementing arm of the city’s local housing board whenever demolition against professional squatters will be conducted.

“The existence of new professional squatters in some identified areas within the city poses a threat to the rightful owners of land,” read the ordinance.

“The presence of illegal squatters discourages investors and provides a negative impression on the city government’s political will and its exercise of its police power,” it added.