• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya said on Monday that he did not issue a statement circulating on social media claiming that fire victims in Purok Cereza, Barangay 27 will be prevented from returning to their homes.
The rumors stemmed from the discovery that the property where the fire broke out is government owned.
Gasataya explained that the 7,786 sq.m. property was formerly owned by the now terminated Philippine Alien Property Administration handled by the Department of Justice of the US government during World War II, and is now under the Philippine National Government.
“We will do everything that we can to ensure that this property, which is owned by the Republic of the Philippines, be donated to Bacolod City,” he added.
The mayor said that they have already obtained a copy of the land title of the property and are now drafting a letter to the appropriate government agency, hoping that the national government will donate the property to the city.
Gasataya clarified that the city government did not prevent the residents from returning but instead gave them options, including relocation and rebuilding their homes.
“I appeal that we don’t add up to the stress of our fellow Bacolodnon affected by fire. They are already facing problems on how to overcome this yet you’re adding fuel to the fire. Stop throwing intrigue,” Gasataya said, emphasizing that they had an agreement with the barangay officials to temporarily seal the area with yellow caution tape for protection as they are still discussing appropriate actions.
Gasataya stated that they are still in the process of validating the recipients of financial assistance and added that they will be providing security, livelihood training, and assistance to the residents in terms of mental health.
“If the national government will donate the property then they [residents] will no longer be informal settlers but property owners through another process,” said Gasataya.
The city, along with other private donation drives, are currently providing assistance, including financial aid, temporary shelter, and essential goods, to the affected families.*
