• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The heirs of the late Enrique Montilla Jr. yesterday vowed to pursue the 2.9-hectare property they inherited, which they believe forms part of the 809 hectares being developed into a world class resort in Sicogon Island.
“We are not here to stop the progress, development of the Iloilo province, Carles, or island of Sicogon. We even encourage that, because we believe we are part of it,” Negrense businessman Patrick Miguel Montilla said.
Sicogon Island is currently being developed by the AyalaLand and Sicogon Development Corporation into a world class resort.
Before the development of Sicogon island, Patrick Miguel and his sister, Tizza, recalled that some people came forward and made some offers to them, in several meetings.
“So, why will you offer us something, if we are not an owner of a property there,” Patrick Miguel asked.
“But when Sicogon already have some structures, they have forgotten us,” he said, stressing that they have documents in possession to prove owning a small portion of the island.
It is painful for us, since the property passed on from generation to generation, and we cannot just leave this, he further stressed.
Patrick Miguel, the court appointed Judicial Administrator and Heir of the Intestate Estate of the late Enrique Montilla Jr., also disclosed that he even informed Ayala Land of their property claim before any development took place.
For us, we just wanted to be recognized by them, Patrick Miguel, also known as PM, the brother of the late former Negros Occidental Board Member-turned Isabela Mayor Enrique “Quito” Montilla III, further said.
The Montilla siblings have sought a court ruling for their claim of a parcel of land they inherited from their father, Enrique Montilla Jr. in Sicogon Island, which is part of Carles town of Iloilo province.
Before Boracay was known worldwide, Sicogon had already been famous, not only in the Philippines, but all over the world, as its hidden gem with white sand beaches, clear and turquoise water, and numerous scenic spots.*
