LGU Mahinog wins unlawful occupation case against Mantigue residents

Mahinog, Camiguin, December 20, 2012 - THE Local Government Unit of Mahinog won the unlawful occupation case filed against the remaining 23 households living in Mantigue island, after the Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) of Mahinog found all accused guilty of violation of Section 69 of Presidential Decree No. 1559 amending PD 705 or Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.

In 18-page decision promulgated this morning December 20, 2012 penned by MCTC Judge Eduardo E. Chan, the trial court found all the remaining residents in Mantigue island "guilty beyond reasonable doubt" and sentenced all the accused to suffer the penalty of six months imprisonment and pay a fine in the amount of P1,000.00.

All the accused are further ordered evicted from the island, the court declared in its Decision.

This, after the LGU Mahinog represented by Mayor Alex R. Jajalla with the coordination of the office of the DENR spearheaded a campaign drive to free Mantigue island from illegal settlers and preserve the natural beauty and richness of this 6.9-hectare island which is 20-minute boat ride from barangay San Roque in the municipality of Mahinog.

LGU officials claimed growing population in the area is the primary cause of Mantigue Island’s environmental degradation and that drastic steps should be taken to save the environment. 

Based on the records, in 1926, Mantigue island was already declared as an unclassified public forest. In 1987 the island was declared alienable and disposable until in 1998 when the Secretary of DENR issued a reversion order declaring the island again as public forest land.

Citing the Regalian doctrine, the court said the classification of Mantigue island remained a forest land belonging to the state which placed the island “beyond the commerce of man.”

The court called it “inherently weak” accused defense of prior occupancy that they are already living the island even before 1975.

Citing a Supreme Court decision in the case of  Public Estates Authority v. Court of Appeals, the court ruled “where the land is not alienable and disposable, possession of the land, no matter how long, cannot confer ownership or possessory rights.”

The court declared although Mantigue island was declared alienable and disposable in 1987, still, the occupants “did not acquire vested right” to appropriate the area as their own.

The court stressed there was no evidence presented that their predecessors applied for a free patent with the government to support their private ownership over the portion they have occupied.

“Matters of private ownership call for proofs, it cannot be assumed,” the court ruled.

The court said while it sympathizes with the accused-occupants’ plight, it is bound to apply the law “strictly and judiciously.”

“The law is harsh, but it is the law,” the court explained.

The accused has fifteen days to appeal the decision.

Of the 40 households living in the Mantigue island, only 17 households had agreed to move out from the island to the new relocation site offered by the municipal government. The 23 households who insisted not to leave the island are the accused in this case.

World-renowned photojournalist visits Camiguin to capture images of women in micro-credit

Photo by Raymundo C. Agaton Jr.

Pep Bonnet, a renowned international photojournalist visited Camiguin last February 8-9, 2012 to capture images of women in Micro Credit in Mantigue island in the municipality of Mahinog.

This was learned from Raymundo C. Agaton Jr. of PRRM Camiguin in a press release sent to Mahinog Trumpet.

Bonnet is from NOOR (an Arabic word meaning “light”), an international photo agency and foundation established in 2007 primarily to create and distribute compelling photojournalistic works with the aim to raise awareness, enhance an understanding of the world and contribute to visual history of mankind.

The NOOR photo agency solicited the help of Philippines Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) for its project “Women in Micro-Credit.”

PRRM is an NGO working in Camiguin for almost two decades now, with a mission to enhance the capacity of rural communities in the planning, advocacy and implementation of sustainable development, through an integrated program of education, livelihood, health, habitat, environment, and self-governance.

According to Agaton, Bonnet chose the island of Mantigue in Mahinog, Camiguin to shoot images of women engaged in seaweeds production.

“The images of women engaging in fishing in Mantigue Island is a very fascinating human interest story for this project,” Mr. Bonnet told Agaton during the visit.

Agaton said Bonnet’s exhibit of images will feature 10 countries including Philippines due for exhibition and possibly into a book by April of this year.

”This will portray microcredit as the most visible innovation in anti-poverty policy where it has been successful in bringing formal financial services to the poor,” Agaton said.

For his part, Mahinog town mayor Alex R. Jajalla said since these images will be seen all over the world, this is a good opportunity to promote Mantigue island as among the alternative ecotourism destination in the region.

Mantigue island, branded as "Restoring Paradise" after local government developed the area as eco tourism destination since 2007, has now become a popular tourist attraction in the province of Camiguin.

Photo by Raymundo C. Agaton Jr.

LGU Mahinog to receive P1M award from DILG for excellent performance

MAHINOG, Camiguin - The Local Government Unit of Mahinog will receive a Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) of P1-million from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for their “good housekeeping” or excellent performance in good governance.

The recognition will be held on August 19, 2011 at Pearlmont Inn, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan de Oro City at which event the LGU Mahinog together with other LGU qualifiers in the region will be conferred with the "seal of good housekeeping," according to DILG-X regional director Loreto T. Bhagwani in a fax message sent to the office of the mayor of Mahinog.

The “good housekeeping seal” is given to LGUs that have excelled in key government areas which include planning, fiscal management, transparency and accountability, and valuing performance management.

These LGUs have also fully complied with the full disclosure policy and have no adverse reports from the Commission on Audit (COA).

The DILG established this program as a way of rewarding LGUs for their high performance, reports said.

Out of the 5 municipalities in the province of Camiguin, only the town of Mahinog passed the standards of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) program, it was learned.

Among the 4th to 6th class municipalities and cities in the region (Northern Mindanao) that passed the standards are the following:

1. Sumilao Bukidnon

2. Mahinog, Camiguin

3. Aloran, Misamis Occidental

4. Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental

5. Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental

6. Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental

7. Tudela, Misamis Occidental

8. Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte

9. Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte

10. Linamon, Lanao del Norte

11. Magsaysay, Lanao del Norte

12. Matungao, Lanao del Norte

13. Munai, Lanao del Norte

14. Salvador, Lanao del Norte

15. Alubijid, Misamis Oriental

16. Gitagum, Misamis Oriental

17. Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental

18. Libertad, Misamis Oriental

19. Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental

20. Tangub City

Mahinog mayor Alex R. Jajalla said that the prize will be used to augment funds for the establishment of a passenger terminal going to Mantigue Island in Katunggan Park, in sitio Queobe in barangay San Miguel.

Once the project is completed, ferry and passenger terminal going to Mantigue island will be relocated from barangay San Roque to Barangay San Miguel, where the Katunggan Park (that mangrove area) is located and a mangrove boardwalk was constructed.

For this year, the municipality allocated additional PhP 100,000.00 for the project, which may serve as counterpart fund of the LGU to the PCF.

The project is geared to boost tourism and local economic development in the town, local officials said in a resolution.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Bayan on Monday passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the MOA with the DILG to access the PCF.

LGU Mahinog holds essay writing contest

Mercy B. Jajalla

The Local Government of Mahinog is sponsoring an essay writing contest to help promote the town’s tourism industry, Municipal Tourism Officer Mercy B. Jajalla announced today.

The essay must depict the three tourist destinations of Mahinog: 1) Mantigue Island; 2) Taguines (Benoni) Lagoon; 3) Queobe Katunggan Mangrove Area.

More contest details below:

1. Open to all Mahinognons even those who are no longer residing in the municipality but have Mahinog roots (parents or grandparents are from Mahinog).

2. Essay Theme: The essay should depict the three tourism destinations of Mahinog, namely: Mantigue Island, Taguines (Benoni) Lagoon & Queobe, San Miguel Katunggan Mangrove Area.

There should be one essay entry for each destination.

3. Format Criteria

a. Number of words: min – 400, max – 600 words

b. Paper size: printed on 8.5 x 11 bond paper

c. Double spaced with 1” margins on each side

d. Must be typewritten/printed from computer

e. Font: Times New Roman, Size 12

4. Contest Period: July 1, 2011 – Mahinog 63rd Charter Day Celebration to August 15, 2011

5. Entry Rules

a. Each contestant may submit three (3) essay entries; one entry for each tourism destination

b. Entries may be submitted to: Mrs. Mercy B. Jajalla – Municipal Civil Registrar/Municipal Tourism Officer, Mahinog, Camiguin. Tel No. (088) 3873017, 3873031, 09276280598 or via email at mercyjajalla@yahoo.com

6. Deadline of Submission of Entries: August 15, 2011 via postal mail, delivery or email.

7. Prizes: 1st Place – P1,000.00 per theme. There will declared three (3) first place winners.

Judge denies motion to dismiss criminal case against Mantigue is. occupants

MAHINOG, CAMIGUIN - A municipal court judge here has denied defense attorney’s "demurer to evidence" to persuade the court to dismiss the criminal case that the municipal government of Mahinog filed against Mantigue island residents accused for unlawful occupation in the said island declared as forest land.

Municipal Circuit Trial Court Judge Eduardo E. Chan made the ruling on March 10.

A "demurrer to evidence" has the same effect of a motion to dismiss, with the connotation that the evidence of the prosecution was not sufficient.

Defense lawyer argued that on the basis of Section 53 of P.D. No. 1559 occupants who entered in forest lands before May 19, 1975, without permit or authority can not be prosecuted. Their lawyer claimed since accused entered Mantigue island in 1968 or long before May 19, 1975 they can not be prosecuted.

In a two-page resolution, the court said it cannot concede with the defense arguments because Section 53 should be interpreted in relation to Section 69 of P.D. 1559. Unlawful occupation or destruction of forest lands is when any person who enters and occupies or possesses any forest land without authority under a license agreement, lease, license or permit, refuses to vacate the area when ordered to do so pursuant to the provision of Section 53 of P.D. No. 1559.

The court said, a perusal of evidence of the prosecution show that the accused entered, occupied and possessed a forest land without authority under a license agreement, lease, license or permit and that they refused to vacate the area when ordered to do so.

The court added, this elements taken together may somehow create the impression that accused are culpable of the crime charged. The issue of whether there was a proper demand for all the accused to vacate or was the person who made the demand was the proper authority are matters yet to be proven in full dress trial. For this reason the Demurer of evidence is set aside.

The case was calendared for further introduction of evidence.

The Municipal Government of Mahinog was represented by Provincial Prosecutor Renato Abbu, while the accused was represented by Atty. Gil Banaag.

Lgu Mahinog, DENR sign MOA for P525 thousand mangrove boardwalk project

Mahinog, Camiguin - The Municipal Government of Mahinog and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 10 recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the construction of the P525 thousand mangrove boardwalk projects in Queobe, in barangay San Miguel here.

The MOA was signed by Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla (left) for the municipal government of Mahinog and DENR regional technical director for research Danilo Cacanindin (center) on behalf of the DENR. Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle (right) was on hand to witness the signing.

According to municipal planning and development coordinator Engr. Benito C. Paderanga, P400 thousand comes from the DENR, while P125 thousand is the counterpart of the LGU Mahinog.

The LGU Mahinog has partially developed the area which is now known as Queobe Eco-Park and Training Center with the construction and establishment of amenities including dormitories, training center, cottages, campsite, parking area, flower garden and nursery.

Queobe Eco Park and Training Center

Paderanga said the over-all project objective are to pursue a sustainable ecological tourism development with emphasis on safeguarding and conserving the bio-diversity in the mangrove area.

The project was also aimed to provide a learning environment on mangrove existence specifically on ecological protection and enhancement.

Moreover, the project is expected to create employment opportunities, boost the local economy and generate income for the LGU, as well.

This wooden boardwalk located near Benoni lagoon and port area will provide safe recreational places for people to walk while enjoying the natural ambience and learning the unique characteristics of the mangrove ecosystem.

Queobe eco park has an excellent vantage point overlooking the mangrove boarwalk, Benoni lagoon, Benoni port, including Mantigue island. These are all parts of a development plan vigorously pursued by the municipal government of Mahinog, with the ultimate goal of optimizing the potential of the area in order to provide employment opportunities and boost the local economy.

Local officials want EMB to monitor water quality in Mantigue island

Mahinog, Camiguin - In a resolution passed by the Municipal Council, local officials here have requested the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) to conduct a systematic and monthly observation on water quality in Mantigue island.

Mantigue Island is a 6.9 hectare nature sanctuary approximately 15 minutes from barangay San Roque in the town of Mahinog.

The resolution noted that while concerted efforts are underway to resurrect Mantigue island's viability as an eco tourism destination, increasing tourist influx threatens the quality of island's immediate coastal waters.

Councilor Kaiser A. Abao, the resolution's principal author, said it is critical that appropriate measures are taken now to avert problem situations in the future that affect human health and marine life in the islet.

He said the conduct of regular monitoring is to afford local government to be more aware what needs to be done for the island's long term sustainability.

"We do not want to experience another Boracay in the future," the councilor said.

In 1997, the people of Boracay Island, Philippines were shaken by the news that its coastal waters were declared unsafe for recreational activities due to presence of high levels of coliform.

The resolution was addressed to Dr. Sabdullah C. Abubacar, EMB, Regional Director, Region X, Cagayan de Oro City for his information and immediate favorable action.

Govt conservation projects benefit women in Mantigue Island

THROUGH the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project (CCRMP), Isabelita Portrias, 42, Pilar Portrias, 49, Wilma Pabillore, 28, Eva Portrias, 21, Robelyn Portrias, 21, and Marilyn Portrias, 37, became the project's first group of women to benefit from the project's interventions. Their families used to live in Mantigue Island, an islet identified by the local executives as a marine eco-park and which has been made a home for scores of illegal settlers from neighboring provinces.

Launched in 2007, the CCRMP which is funded by the New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID) seeks to address the complex issue of sustainable management of coastal resources and the promotion of sustainable economic activities in Camiguin Province, including Mantigue island.

Administratively, Manitigue falls under Municipality of Mahinog, one of the five municipalities of Camiguin. Families who have settled illegally in Mantigue island are voluntarily being relocated by the local government to a decent housing project located very close to the economic center of the municipality.

The relocation package also includes free transport off the island, livelihood opportunities, and a certain amount of cash to help the relocated families start anew. In addition, they have been assured to be the first to benefit from livelihood projects that would result from the rehabilitation of Mantigue Island.

A few months after they relocated, the women were organized and encouraged to attend a series of weekly trainings, designed to enhance their skills, particularly in cooking. Eventually, they were given the opportunity to cater to the meals of tourists and visitors to this island. As a group, they help each other in preparing and serving the meals.

Initially unsure of themselves, they have developed more confidence with every passing day and every meal they prepare. Receiving positive comments from their clients, made them more enthusiastic.

"Malipay jud mi kung muana sila na lami among luto," Wilma shared. (It really makes us happy when people commend us for our cooking).

What makes the whole thing more appetizing is the fact that these women have helped their families financially to the point that their husband have given up fishing to assist them full time in their catering venture.

"Dili na kayo mangisda amo mga bana kay tungod pud ani. Mutabang na lang sila namu dire," Wilma stressed. (Our husbands don't really go fishing anymore. They opt to help us here instead).

This reversal of roles has given the women of Mantigue a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper appreciation of their capabilities, and a stronger sense of security in their femininity.

"Daku jud kayo natabang. Makapalit na jud mig bugas ug gas," Wilma pointed out. (It has really helped a lot. We could now buy rice and gas)

"Nakapa-eskwela pud tawon ko sa akong mga anak," Marilyn shared. (I have been able to send my children to school as well).

Aside from the daily income they earned as caterers in Mantigue, the group sets aside twenty percent of their daily profit for debt servicing and capital. In less than three months, they have acquired several pots, cooking utensils, silver and china ware, and a cellular phone.

"Nakakat-on pud mi unsaun pag-atubang ug mga bisita. Sa una kay maulawon man mi," shared Pilar. (We also learned how to entertain and interact with both local and foreign guests. Before we did not have the guts to do so).

They admitted that due to the communication barrier, they found foreigners hard to deal with. In response to this, the CCRMP has been conducting an English language development program that they enthusiastically attended.

Another thing that they have learned is the value of sanitation in food preparation and in the home.

Most importantly, they have learned to value their harmonious camaraderie. They have realized that they need to work together as a team in order to sustain their efforts. Though there is still occasional argument, they are now quick to resolve their differences and forgive each other.

The twinkle in their eyes and their appreciative smiles reflect the gratitude they cannot articulate. The way they now carry themselves reflects a new sense of purpose and a new level of confidence. Their enthusiasm to learn and to improve all possible facets of their lives indicate hope that tomorrow will now be better for them and their children.

"Nagpasalamat gyud mi ug dako, kay ug wala pa ni, ambot nag unsa na lang kaha mi," says Pilar, the eldest of the group. (We are so grateful for this opportunity, without it, we wouldn't know what to do with our lives). (Mahinog IO with reports from CCRMP)

Prosecutor chides Añover for missing court hearings

Mahinog, Camiguin – Public Prosecutor Renato Abbu chided Sr. Francis Añover for her non appearance in court hearings and for her "unexplained" failure to present some of the accused in court on Tuesday during the continuation of trial in the unlawful occupation case filed by the municipal government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) against illegal settlers living in Mantigue islet.

Añover, a religious sister of mercy based in Tacloban City, is a custodian of forty- seven (47) accused who were temporarily freed on her (Añover) recognizance. In her motion for bail on recognizance which was granted by the municipal trial court presided by Judge Eduardo E. Chan, Añover had promised to the court that she will show up and all the accused in every hearing.

Under the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure, recognizance involves the release of an accused without bail to refutable person in the community.

According to her emissary, Añover is on six-month study leave in Manila.

"How could she have performed her function as custodian when she is studying in Manila," Abbu told the court.

The prosecution panel had asked the court to issue a show cause order against Añover and other accused to explain reasons for not attending the court hearings.

The next hearing will be on January 12, 2010. (Homer R. Jajalla, Mahinog Information Office)

Conservation efforts for Mantigue get a boost, says Mahinog mayor

Mahinog, Camiguin. – Tourists are flocking to Mantigue Island with 9,004 visitors from November 2008 to October this year or after more than a year since local officials started its current restoration program for the island’s eco system, Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla said.

Mantigue, a 15 minute motor boat ride from the town of Mahinog, which boasts of white sand beaches and finest dive sites, has now emerged as a favorite nature tourism destination in northern Mindanao, the regional office of the department of tourism said.

Mayor Jajalla said that this was the highest number of tourists registered by the town’s business development office compared to only a few numbers of visitors in previous years.

He added that the rise of tourist arrivals is attributed to the local government’s continuing drive to restore and protect the island’s eco system, a move that attract tourists to visit the islet.

“The marked increase of tourists in Mantigue is a result of our environmental conservation efforts providing additional revenues for the town and economic opportunities of the people,” the mayor said.

Mantigue is part of the province’s comprehensive coastal resource management program.

In an earlier statement, Jajalla said that the presence of illegal settlers endangered the isle’s bio diversity. The turtles were disappearing, trees were cut, peace and order and garbage disposal became a perennial problem prompting local officials to save Mantigue.

He added that the municipal trial court is still hearing on the charges filed by the local government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)against the remaining 22 families for illegal occupancy and violation of environmental laws.

“In order to save this island from environmental degradation, we have to clear and get rid of this islet from people that only endanger its eco systems,” he said, adding that the local government has offered a resettlement package for families who heed the call to relocate.

He said half of the 44 families took the offer but the remaining half remained defiant to government’s call to relocate.

Jajalla said that contrary to the claim from the opposing camp, this initiative is not only about eco-tourism efforts. “We look at the big picture that will make a significant difference in the lives of the people in the coming years,” he stressed.

The emergence of Mantigue as an eco-tourism destination would have beneficial effects on the environment by way of raising awareness among the people on environmental protection and conservation, said the mayor.

”Once environment is properly managed and sustained, in the long run this would have a positive economic impact for the people of Mahinog,” he concluded. (Municipal Information Office)

Reclaiming Glorious Earth

I COME across this article in the internet written by Atty. Tibs Palasan, entitled, “Saving Mantigue”, published in the February 17, 2009 issue of Sun Star Cagayan. I find this article of Atty. Palasan very enlightening in the light of the local government’s determined move to relocate all residents in Mantigue Island in response to the call to preserve our environment and reclaim its glorious past.

Tropical storm “Ondoy”, considered the worst natural disaster the country has experienced in 40 years, gave impetus to the concern raised by Atty. Palasan and that of the local government of Mahinog. Ondoy is a sobering reminder that if human assaults on nature and environment go unabated, nature’s wrath to humanity is more destructive and like Ondoy could strike at a moment’s notice.

Here’s the full text of Atty. Palasan’s article.

THE environmental problem is colossal. But its solution may not be necessarily so. Sporadic concerns of the environment may do the trick. Eco-friendly solutions throughout the globe may avert global warming.

The environment concerns of the local government of Camiguin, an island-province in Northern Mindanao, are what we need at this time.

Three kilometers off the shore from Barangay San Roque, Mahinog, Camiguin is an island with four hectares of evergreen forests fringed with sandy beaches. The boat ride to Mantigue is quite exciting, as one has to contend with strong diverging currents due to the open sea. One side of the island is ideal for swimming as it is shallow and has few corals. The opposite side is a deep drop off ideal for snorkeling and diving. The shore is powdery white.

But all of Mantigue’s splendor is threatened by the stench and murk brought about by 43 families who reside in the area. Without any potable water, residents made the sea around the island an open garbage bin. Septic tanks were constructed along the narrow shore that seepage of human waste is common. Worse, there are those who just sit along the shore, do their thing and cover the dirt with sand. The smell of human urine is all over the place.

The march to environmental damage seemed unabated. Until the province of Camiguin resolved to salvage whatever was left of the island.

The island was declared a protected area by virtue of the presidential edict. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in tandem with the local government of Camiguin offered to relocate the residents. Half of the residents took the offer but around 22 families decided to stay on, defying lawful orders.

The move was decidedly unpopular. For a politician eyeing for re-election, evicting the remaining residents was a minus in the campaign calculus later on. Yet, in a move showing political will, Gov. JJ Romualdo had the defiant residents arrested and hauled to court. The criminal case for violating an environmental law was filed against the defiant residents.

Unfortunately however, the 23 families, instead of transferring to relocation areas provided for by the local government, decided to fight it out in court. Whether the prosecution’s case is strong or the defense is tenable is beside the point. The merits of the case could not be discussed as it would constitute sub judice.

Needless to say, the criminal case was intended to discourage the residents from fighting a futile cause. Public Prosecutor Alma Conception Parreno in a brief chat said the criminal case, not the civil case, was filed because the former carries possible imprisonment, hence the residents may back off. The strategy was a partial success. Half of the residents have relocated.

But obviously, the defiant residents are fighting. They have pecuniary interest to protect. Confirmed reports have it that the remaining residents have been mulcting divers and tourists for years now.

The criminal case has not discouraged the remaining residents. For they obviously prefer to go to trial than lose outright their source of income. It is now time for the local government to shift the legal strategy. The criminal case may go the long appellate process. If convicted, these residents can appeal to the Regional Trial Court, Court of Appeals and finally the Supreme Court. By the time they residents are convicted with finality, the damage wrought on Mantigue Island may already be irreversible.

To compliment the criminal case, the local government may file an unlawful detainer case which follows summary procedure. Compared to the criminal case, the civil case is a summary proceeding wherein the case may be decided based on the affidavits and position papers instead of testimonies. More, the judgment in the unlawful detainer case is immediately executory even if the losing party appeals the case. Demolition of the remaining structures may proceed despite the appeal.

Efforts to save the environment must be supported anytime and anywhere. The brakes should be applied. We caused global warming hence nobody else but we can reverse it.

A Native American Indian sage once said the first global war was the real clash of civilization - started when Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, Ferdinand Magellan and the explorers of the olden times, supplanted the native cultures of venerating the sun, moon, sea, volcano, mountain, river, and even cows, as in India. The so-called western civilization brought the consumerist attitude that anything on earth is potential revenue. Even the island such as Mantigue was not spared.

After years of environmental depredations, what we have is a damaged Mother Earth.

Perhaps, this is the time to wage another global war - this time to reclaim glorious Earth. We can only reclaim Earth if we recapture the pre-exploration culture which proclaims the interconnectedness of man and everything on earth, that whatever harm humanity does to the environment, in the end man bears the wrath of nature.

Sporadic battles to save the environment deserve to be lauded. Saving Mantigue may not be the grandest eco-friendly action. But this is precisely the type of individual and readily doable concerns for nature that may be the best response to the environmental crisis we are in.

Reclaiming Glorious Earth

I COME across this article in the internet written by Atty. Tibs Palasan, entitled, “Saving Mantigue”, published in the February 17, 2009 issue of Sun Star Cagayan. I find this article of Atty. Palasan very enlightening in the light of the local government’s determined move to relocate all residents in Mantigue Island in response to the call to preserve our environment and reclaim its glorious past. Tropical storm “Ondoy,” considered the worst natural disaster the country has experienced in 40 years, gave impetus to the concern raised by Atty. Palasan and that of the local government of Mahinog. Ondoy is a sobering reminder that if human assaults on nature and environment go unabated, nature’s wrath to humanity is more destructive and like Ondoy could strike at a moment’s notice.

Here’s the full text of Atty. Palasan’s article:

THE environmental problem is colossal. But its solution may not be necessarily so. Sporadic concerns of the environment may do the trick. Eco-friendly solutions throughout the globe may avert global warming. The environment concerns of the local government of Camiguin, an island-province in Northern Mindanao, are what we need at this time.

Three kilometers off the shore from Barangay San Roque, Mahinog, Camiguin is an island with four hectares of evergreen forests fringed with sandy beaches. The boat ride to Mantigue is quite exciting, as one has to contend with strong diverging currents due to the open sea. One side of the island is ideal for swimming as it is shallow and has few corals. The opposite side is a deep drop off ideal for snorkeling and diving. The shore is powdery white.

But all of Mantigue’s splendor is threatened by the stench and murk brought about by 43 families who reside in the area. Without any potable water, residents made the sea around the island an open garbage bin. Septic tanks were constructed along the narrow shore that seepage of human waste is common. Worse, there are those who just sit along the shore, do their thing and cover the dirt with sand. The smell of human urine is all over the place. The march to environmental damage seemed unabated. Until the province of Camiguin resolved to salvage whatever was left of the island.

The island was declared a protected area by virtue of the presidential edict. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in tandem with the local government of Camiguin offered to relocate the residents. Half of the residents took the offer but around 22 families decided to stay on, defying lawful orders.

The move was decidedly unpopular. For a politician eyeing for re-election, evicting the remaining residents was a minus in the campaign calculus later on. Yet, in a move showing political will, Gov. JJ Romualdo had the defiant residents arrested and hauled to court.

The criminal case for violating an environmental law was filed against the defiant residents. Unfortunately however, the 23 families, instead of transferring to relocation areas provided for by the local government, decided to fight it out in court. Whether the prosecution’s case is strong or the defense is tenable is beside the point.

The merits of the case could not be discussed as it would constitute sub judice. Needless to say, the criminal case was intended to discourage the residents from fighting a futile cause. Public Prosecutor Alma Conception Parreno in a brief chat said the criminal case, not the civil case, was filed because the former carries possible imprisonment, hence the residents may back off.

The strategy was a partial success. Half of the residents have relocated. But obviously, the defiant residents are fighting. They have pecuniary interest to protect. Confirmed reports have it that the remaining residents have been mulcting divers and tourists for years now.

The criminal case has not discouraged the remaining residents. For they obviously prefer to go to trial than lose outright their source of income. It is now time for the local government to shift the legal strategy.

The criminal case may go the long appellate process. If convicted, these residents can appeal to the Regional Trial Court, Court of Appeals and finally the Supreme Court. By the time they residents are convicted with finality, the damage wrought on Mantigue Island may already be irreversible.

To compliment the criminal case, the local government may file an unlawful detainer case which follows summary procedure. Compared to the criminal case, the civil case is a summary proceeding wherein the case may be decided based on the affidavits and position papers instead of testimonies.

More, the judgment in the unlawful detainer case is immediately executory even if the losing party appeals the case. Demolition of the remaining structures may proceed despite the appeal.

Efforts to save the environment must be supported anytime and anywhere. The brakes should be applied. We caused global warming hence nobody else but we can reverse it.

A Native American Indian sage once said the first global war was the real clash of civilization - started when Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, Ferdinand Magellan and the explorers of the olden times, supplanted the native cultures of venerating the sun, moon, sea, volcano, mountain, river, and even cows, as in India. The so-called western civilization brought the consumerist attitude that anything on earth is potential revenue.

Even the island such as Mantigue was not spared. After years of environmental depredations, what we have is a damaged Mother Earth. Perhaps, this is the time to wage another global war - this time to reclaim glorious Earth. We can only reclaim Earth if we recapture the pre-exploration culture which proclaims the interconnectedness of man and everything on earth, that whatever harm humanity does to the environment, in the end man bears the wrath of nature. Sporadic battles to save the environment deserve to be lauded.

Saving Mantigue may not be the grandest eco-friendly action. But this is precisely the type of individual and readily doable concerns for nature that may be the best response to the environmental crisis we are in.

Related article: http://homerjajalla.blog.friendster.com/2009/10/a-sobering-call-to-reclaim-glorious-earth/

Parreño: Bright future awaits local residents once Mantigue island is uninhabited and fully developed

by Homer R. Jajalla

MAHINOG, Camiguin, June 5 – Taking Liberty Island and Ellis Island in New York as a model, Mantigue Island in Mahinog can be easily turned into a major ecological destination in this part of the country and contribute to the economic development of this 5th class town and entire province.

Thus declared Provincial Prosecutor Alma Concepcion M. Parreño during the pre-trial conference today at Mahinog municipal trial court which is hearing the criminal complaints filed by the municipal government against 24 families charged for violation of PD 1559 otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.

The island should be first uninhabited but a little sacrifice should be done on the part of the remaining residents by leaving the island once and for all for the interest of progress and development in the whole province of Camiguin, the prosecutor said.

Liberty Island, best known as the location of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island also best known as nation’s federal immigration station in operation until 1954, are two small uninhabited islands in New York flocked by tourists due to its popularity as universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

Visiting Mantigue then, once developed into an ecological reserve, can be exciting and memorable experience. Tourists flock to the island and in return can bring economic opportunities among the people in Camiguin, the public prosecutor further explained.

Efforts are still continuing to fully develop Mantigue island into an ecological site where its natural and cultural heritage are the primary attractions.

In the same pre-trial conference, the Municipal Government through the public prosecutor has offered anew a relocation site for Mantigue residents as part of the government’s bright relocation package and financial assistance being offered to residents.

The court gave respondents ample time to consider the offer of the government.

As this developed, two families have accepted the relocation offer and they are the families of Cerilo Saturos and Welson Saturos who promised to vacate the island right after the devotional fiesta of Mantigue on June 27, bringing down to 22 from 42 families originally residing in the island. (Mahinog Municipal Information Office)

Tourists flock to Mantigue Island during Camiguin "Panaad"

by Homer R. Jajalla

Camiguin Province (14 April) -- "Snorkel or dive in one of the world's best diving sites. Enjoy pure white sand and crystal clear seas. Have close encounters with exotic wild life. Trek under the canopy of a virgin forest. Get to know the paradise that awaits you…Mantigue Island."

So goes a sign that invites everyone to spend summer in Mantigue Island in Mahinog, Camiguin Province, which is being developed by the local government into an eco tourism site.

The island is surrounded by a gleaming white beach of powdery coral sand, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving. In the center of Mantigue is a lush, green mini-forest filled with several wild trees and plants.

It is also a home of a number of migratory birds and turtles.

Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla proudly announced that restoration process in Mantigue Island is gaining headway after efforts to relocate some residents in the island to the mainland started last year.

"The on-going activities to restore the glory of this island already reaped fruits as shown by the heavy influx of local and foreign tourist visiting Mantigue Island during the recent observance of Holy Week," the mayor said.

A nature park is now open which offers services ranging from picnic shed, sea food restaurant, bat viewing, turtle watching, scuba diving and snorkeling at the marine sanctuary.

Visitors can order sea foods prepared by volunteers composed of former islanders, the mayor said.

During the holy week, the number of registered visitors to Mantigue Island were recorded at 1,026 and the number of trips of motorboat reached to 202 compared to only a handful during the same period in previous years, the mayor reported.

For this, motor boat operators, food service providers, accommodation establishments and islanders are already enjoying the effects of this tourism development happening in Mantigue Island which also has a big impact on local economies.

A visitor to Mantigue has to register at the registration counter located at barangay San Roque, the kick off point to Mantigue and pay P550.00 for a round-trip motorboat fare good for a maximum of six passengers and an entrance fee of P10.00 per visitor. The island can be traveled for 15 minutes motorboat ride from barangay San Roque sea port.

To ensure the safety and security of the visitors while traveling to the island, volunteers of a local radio group Mahinog Response 143 were posted at San Roque seaport and Mantigue Island to monitor incoming and outgoing trips, while personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and civilian volunteers were also posted to secure the travelers.

Since the island is still under rehabilitation, the island is open to visitors up to 6:00 P.M. only. (Municipal Information Office)

On Mantigue Relocation: Mayor Jajalla says LGU is still open to negotiation with affected residents

MAHINOG Mayor Alex R. Jajalla of Camiguin Province said the local government unit is still extending its open arms to Mantigue residents who wish to avail of the relocation package offered by the government for them to finally vacate the island and relocate to the mainland.

“In order to avoid further court proceedings, our hands are still reaching out to residents who until now refuse to vacate the island to avail the financial assistance offered by the government,” said Mayor Jajalla during an interview after a pre-trial hearing today, Nov. 27, at the town’s municipal trial court.

The social assistance package include free 100 sq.m. lot at the Benoni resettlement site; P1,000 worth of grocery items; cash assistance amounting to P5,000, or P10,000 for those who opt to relocate outside the relocation site; free toilet bowl; free demolition and delivery of salvaged materials and personal belongings from Mantigue to relocation site; five to 10 days free carpenter to build their house; and employment assistance, among others.

Until now, there are still 24 families out of 42 who still refuse to leave the island who are facing charges of unlawful occupation in Mantigue Island declared as forestland.

“We still keep our option open to any workable settlement that may be reached by both parties but we maintain our position that they should leave the island once and for all,” the mayor said.

The local government unit is implementing a rehabilitation plan in the 4.4-hectare Mantigue Island located in San Roque, in the municipality of Mahinog.

Part of the plan is to relocate all the people living in Mantigue to save the island from further damage and restore its natural wealth and beauty. (Homer R. Jajalla, Mahinog Information Office/PIA-Camiguin i-Net)

PRESS STATEMENT OF MAYOR ALEX R. JAJALLA REGARDING MANTIGUE “NO MAN’S LAND” ISSUE

Mantigue Island in San Roque, Mahinog was once a turtle sanctuary teeming with rich marine resources, clean and glorious environment, and an ideal place to unwind and communicate with nature.

But that was a thing of the past since turtles are nowhere to be found, different species of fish and plant life are fast disappearing, cleanliness and sanitation as well as peace and order became a perennial problem.

The presence of increasing numbers of families illegally occupying the islet is among the major causes that threatened the resources in the area.

It is high time to take aggressive action and policy direction for Mantigue Island and having said that the present leadership is determined to do just that no matter what it takes within the bounds of law and due process.

Sustainable development has to do with environment and the people and unless we do something to preserve our environment, no doubt nature will come back to us in the form of natural disaster and in the end people will suffer.

This is what we are doing for Mantigue: to preserve its natural beauty for every one –present and future generation –to enjoy it to the fullest.

The urgency to relocate these people living in Mantigue is the only option to save this island from further degradation and finally restore its glorious past.

The local government units of barangay San Roque, municipality of Mahinog and the province of Camiguin along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have worked together to achieve this end.

Mantigue Island is a forestland and based on Section 69 of Presidential Decree No. 1559 it is unlawful for any person to reside any forestland for own private use without authority from the government.

The time has come for the government to make a very difficult decision, for the 41 families to go although we know very well how painful it is for others to leave the place they already consider their own.

Consistent with our policy of persuasion and conciliation, we made several information and education campaign in the past to all residents there to start moving to the mainland where a resettlement site and new opportunities await them.

We recognize that basic social and economic needs of those affected must be addressed. For that the LGU allocated P420,000 for a relocation plan that would give each family not less than 100 sq. m. lot at Benoni resettlement site; P1,000 worth of grocery items; cash assistance amounting to P5,000, or P10,000 for those who opt to relocate outside the relocation site; free demolition and delivery of salvaged materials and personal belongings from Mantigue to relocation site; five to 10 days free carpenter, including livelihood assistance, among others.

Seventeen of 41 families heeded the call and voluntarily relocated, and for those families who still refused to vacate – and remain antagonistic to the authorities – the government has no option but seek legal recourse from the court.

The legal issue now belongs to the court of law and the hearing will start on November 27. Due process has already taken its course and we are confident that we have a very strong case and our efforts will finally pay off in due time.

A thousand miles of journey begins with a single step. No matter how tough the road is to achieve this plan, we will skip no single step to get there.

Help Save MANTIGUE before it’s too late!

(SGD) MAYOR ALEX R. JAJALLA


Mahinog, Camiguin Province
November 25, 2008

Local execs push Mantigue's rehab, press settlers to relocate

Cagayan de Oro City (25 April) -- TO restore Mantigue Island's natural wealth and beauty, provincial and municipal officials in Camiguin are taking steps to relocate the illegal occupants and start the rehabilitation process.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and SP tourism committee chair Jesus D. Pacuribot said Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo, together with Mahinog town Mayor Alex R. Jajalla and SP members, has prepared a relocation site in Barangay Roque, Mahinog.

Pacuribot also said the municipal government of Mahinog has allocated P400,000 for the resettlement project and offered a sack of rice, P5,000, and a 10-day free carpenter assistance to each of the first five families who heeds the call to relocate.

For those who opt to transfer outside the relocation site, each family will be given P10,000, he said.

The affected families will also be provided with livelihood assistance, he added.

To date, Pacuribot said, three of the 42 families have already transferred to the relocation site after getting an eviction letter from the Provincial Prosecutor.

Pacuribot said following the conduct of a public hearing in Mantigue, an eviction letter signed by the Provincial Prosecutor was issued to the occupants early this year.

Also known as Magsaysay Island, the 4.4-hectare Mantigue Island, which is part of the municipality of Mahinog, was once a turtle sanctuary and teeming with marine resources.

He recalled that it was declared as alienable and disposable land in 1987 by then Secretary Fulgencio Factoran Jr. of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. As an alienable and disposable land, it is fit for titling or ownership.

However, on March 16, 1998, DENR Secretary Victor O. Ramos issued Administrative Order No. 98-13, reverting Mantigue's category to forest land. As a forest land, any person is prohibited to enter and occupy or possess for own private use without authority or in any manner that destroys it.

Pacuribot also recounted that by this time, the number of families illegally occupying the islet grew and their presence threatened the resources in the area.

The turtles stopped coming in, trees were cut, and garbage disposal became a perennial problem, he added.

A former mayor of Mahinog, Pacuribot said this situation prompted him to file resolutions in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to save Mantigue.

He said his efforts finally paid off when the SP supported his cause to save and rehabilitate Mantigue.

The collective effort to save Mantigue is now enshrined in the master tourism plan of the province as it continues to push as one of the country's top eco-tourism destinations.

He believes that once the island is rehabilitated, it will once again flaunt its natural beauty, "where we can all endlessly enjoy its glorious white sand and blue water."

Hopefully by then, the turtles will come back, Pacuribot said, adding that their presence would surely boost the tourism prospects of Mantigue and Camiguin as a whole. (by Jorie C. Valcorza- PIA-MisOrOccCam)

Government to relocate Mantigue island residents

THE plan to relocate the 42 or so households living in Mantigue Island was arrived after a series of planning session by the members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Mantigue Development Task Force that Mayor Alex R. Jajalla had earlier created to formulate a master plan for his administration’s A.L.E.X. development agenda, which includes development of Mantigue Island for eco-tourism purposes.

“We will coordinate closely with the Congressman, Provincial Governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, DENR, the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor and other line agencies inorder to put our efforts together to finally relocate these people from Mantigue island to a resettlement site in Benoni which was already established for that purpose,” Mayor Jajalla said.

“But in doing so, we will see to it that the social and economic concerns of those who will be affected will be given attention,” he added.

Mantigue island, comprising 4.4 hectares, is part of the municipality of Mahinog and was declared as a forest land in 1998 by virtue of DENR Admininistrative Order No. 98-13 by then DENR Secretary Victor Ramos. Section 78 of Presidential Decree No. 705, otherwise known as Forestry Code, makes it illegal to occupy and reside in the area declared as forestland.

On the other hand, Proclamation 1801 issued by then President Ferdinand Marcos declared, among others, Mantigue Island as Marine Turtle Sanctuary for scientific study area. Also, under R.A. 9147 or “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act,” the DENR considered Mantigue Island as a “critical habitat” due to the presence of the endangered marine turtles in the area.

“It’s high time to implement these laws and save this island from further degradation for the benefit of this and future generations,” the mayor said in an interview with The Trumpet.
Part of the plan is to construct ecologically friendly tourism facilities in the island that can attract both local and foreign tourists. (Homer R. Jajalla – Mahinog IO)