Probe sought on illegal titling of military lands

MANILA, Philippines - The Western Command (Wescom) is seeking an investigation into the alleged conversion of lands in military reservations in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

“I am calling for a full-blown investigation and prosecution of individuals engaged in these land-grabbing activities,” said Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, Wescom commander, on the sidelines of the reception of a new Marine brigade in Puerto Princesa City on Thursday.

Sabban also challenged his detractors to produce any proof that he was party to the irregularity.

Sabban earlier questioned a city council resolution asking the Marines to vacate their 240-square meter West Philippine Sea monitoring post in Barangay Bacungan, an area near the world-renowned Puerto Princesa City Underground Ground River.

Lt. Col. Niel Estrella, Wescom spokesman, said the Marine monitoring post is strategic to the country’s territorial defense.

Estrella said a group of businessmen is reportedly eyeing the construction of a mountain resort in the area.

“What is keeping these individuals from taking over the area and pass this off to their real estate developer-clients as a private land, is the presence of Marines,” he said.

He said a resident also surfaced claiming ownership of the eight-hectare Marine headquarters in Barangay Tiniguiban near the city.

“We want to know who are the people behind this,” Estrella said, adding that illegal land titling could only happen if there is connivance with influential people in the province.