Foreshore property owner allays fears: Fishers assured of sea access

CEBU, Philippines - The owner of the previously contested four-hectare foreshore in Barangay Catarman, Liloan town assured small fishermen they are still allowed to use the access area to the sea to go fishing.

Lawyer Mark Anthony Gaviola, one of the legal advisers of Miguela Dignos, relayed the information to The FREEMAN after some fishermen aired their concerns over the future use of the area.

Some of the small fishermen living in Barangay Catarman and neighboring barangays became apprehensive after the Supreme Court finally ruled in favor of Miguela Dignos, daughter of former Lapu-Lapu City mayor Silvestre Dignos.

For more than 15 years while the case was still pending in court, small fishermen have used portion of the foreshore in their fishing. Most of these fishermen engage fishing not only in the seawaters off Liloan but also neighboring towns.

A fisherman residing in Barangay Catarman shared to this paper that they are anxious they will be prohibited to use the access area in the near future.

Gaviola, however, said Miguela Dignos is still committed to the small fishermen living in the area, adding that their access to the sea is something Miguela's father allowed.

Miguela Dignos is reportedly not keen on breaking the legacy.

"Dili angayan nga mahadlok ang mga kaigsoonan nato nga mangingisda gumikan kay dili sila lisud-lisuron (Our fishermen brothers need not worry, we won't make it hard for them)," said Gaviola.

Miguela Dignos already met with Catarman barangay captain Jimmy Maglasang to speak of her cooperation with the barangay.

She said she wants to develop the place to help in the economic development not only in Barangay Catarman but the whole town of Liloan.

Earlier, the Supreme Court has ruled with finality that Miguela Dignos is the rightful owner of the four-hectare foreshore. The piece of land is part of the shore between high and low water marks, or between the water and the cultivated or developed land.

The property has been a subject of a court case after it was claimed by a lot owner who entered into a joint venture with Ayala Land for the establishment of a high-end subdivision in the area.

Roldan Cotejo, head of the Community Environment and Resources Office station in Carmen town, personally implemented the Supreme Court resolution dated January 29, 2014 which denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Cebu Highpoint Ventures Inc.

Accompanied by CENRO personnel and representatives of lot's owner Miguela Dignos, Cotejo went to the vicinity of Amara subdivision in Catarman onboard a motor banca to meet company officials to enforce the Supreme Court order.

Cotejo said CENRO Carmen has been tasked to execute the order, Liloan town being still part of its jurisdiction.

During the meeting, no commotion happened as Cebu Holdings Inc. representatives were cooperative when the order was implemented. CHI, which embarked on the joint venture with Cebu Highpoint Ventures, is a sister company of Ayala Land.

On April 25, 2000, Cebu Consolidated Estates Inc., now assumed by Cebu Ventures Inc., filed a complaint before the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the cancellation of the award to Miguela Dignos. (FREEMAN)