(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Monday stood by its decision to enforce the cancellation of the Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) of Ati tribe members in an area in Boracay Island, saying that it was not government land to be given away.
A total of 44 Ati tribe members were shocked to find that they were being expelled from their area in Boracay. DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III referred INQUIRER.net to the agency’s statement when asked about the matter.
“How can DAR issue CLOAS to them when period of issuing notice of coverage of private lands had expired last June 30, 2014,” said Estrella in a Viber message.
“Secondly they cannot invoke Executive Order 75 here because it is not even a Government-owned land since there is a legitimate claimant. Thirdly the bureau of soils under the DA declared that piece of land not suitable for agriculture which should be exempt from DAR coverage under Republic Act 6657,” he added.
EO 75 is a Malacanang order directing all government agencies to identify government land that could be distributed to qualified beneficiaries.
The DAR, however, said it will provide government lands to the Ati members.
“DAR will extend all assistance and support services to all our agrarian reform beneficiaries, but we must uphold the law,” said Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Napoleon U. Galit in a statement.