BACOLOD City – Fifteen households were asking for help after they received a letter to vacate their houses at Hacienda Alog in Barangay Pasil, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental.
The letter dated June 4 was from lot owner Ma. Risa Acaling-Lacson, the families said.
It was signed by Acaling-Lacson and E.B. Magalona vice mayor Robert Acaling. The two are siblings.
The families were given 10 days to leave the lot. If not, charges will be filed against them.
Acaling told Panay News that their family is planning to develop the area.
Lea Tesara, one of the affected residents, said they received the letter after the May 14 barangay elections wherein village chief candidate Danilo Patoc lost.
Patoc is an ally of Acaling, Tesara claimed.
Tesara also said a barricade is placed in the entrance of Hacienda Alog from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day, preventing them from passing during emergencies.
Barangay Pasil captain Sharen Belen said she already raised the matter to E.B. Magalona mayor Marvin Malacon.
Belen said the affected households have been living in the area for almost 40 years already.
Acaling stressed that “no politics” was behind the issuance of the letter, adding that the affected families will be relocated.
They will also be given compensation, he stressed.
The vice mayor also said the barricade and a tarpaulin with words “no trespassing, private property” were placed in the area a long time ago due to crimes reported there./PN
