Albert Aquino, the president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) here, has challenged all chairpersons in flood-affected barangays to exercise their political will in preventing residents from rebuilding their houses near river banks.
Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria had earlier made a pronouncement that he would strictly disallow illegal structures near the riverbank.
He even challenged the barangay officials to monitor and strictly prohibit informal settlers to occupy the areas.
Aquino said some of the barangay officials admitted being hesitant in implementing the order considering that some of the settlers are also their relatives and close friends. He admitted that there are factors that will have to be considered as majority of the affected families have been residing in the area for several years now.
He is anticipating strong resistance from the residents especially that majority of the affected families have asked that they will not be transferred to a relocation site far from their source of livelihood.
Aquino said the barangay officials will have to exercise their political will to implement the best solution for the safety and security of the communities.
If the need arises, the barangay official can ask the assistance of Task Force SAGARR and the city government to help in implementing the law against illegal settlers.
More than 3,000 families in Dumaguete City alone have lost their homes and belongings and were displaced after the flood brought about by tropical storm Sendong. - PNA
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