ILIGAN CITY (PIA) -- The 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade of the Philippine Army received the long-awaited land title to the 9.87 hectares of land in Barangay Maria Cristina. 

After a decade-long process, the army brigade, situated on this land, finally obtained legal recognition of its ownership.

Brigade Commander BGen. Anthon Abrina emphasized that obtaining the land title will deter attempts at encroachment, which has been a persistent problem with numerous individuals claiming portions of the land. Additionally, he shared plans to create pathways around the perimeter, which would reserve an 8-meter-wide area.

“Unang-una, mawawala na 'yung mga nag-a-attempt to encroach, kasi that is a problem; so many people are attempting to claim a portion of land. Another thing we can implement, ‘yung gusto namin magkaroon ng daan sa paligid, where we reserved an 8-meter-wide land included siya pero tinayuan ng structures ng civilians,” he said.

[First and foremost, those attempting to encroach will cease because that is a problem, with many people attempting to claim a portion of the land. Another thing we can implement is to have pathways around the perimeter, where we have reserved 8-meter-wide land but it has been occupied by structures built by civilians.]

Abrina said the pathway will serve as access to ambulances or fire trucks in an emergency.  

The process of obtaining the land title was pursued with the support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Registry of Deeds (ROD). 

Lawyer Joerich Mila Cuevas, the head of the ROD in Iligan City, shared that the land titling process for the Brigade began in 2014 when the former Magbalantay Brigade Commander, BGen. Demy Tejares initiated the process.

“Registered na sa among opsina. At least karon under na sa ngalan sa Armed Forces of the Philippines. Kung naay mu-claim og lain, dako na sila og probelma, unsaon nila pag-prove nga sila’y tag-iya, kay gawas sa proclamation, titulado na jud siya,”  he said.

[The land has been registered in our office. At least now, it is under the name of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. If someone else makes a claim, they will have a big problem proving ownership because, outside of the proclamation, it is already titled.]

Meanwhile, Arnulfo Osio, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Lanao del Norte, pledged support from DENR to help the Philippine Army conserve biodiversity within the area and assist in regreening efforts.

"This ceremonial presentation of the land title signifies the commitment of the Philippine Army to take care of, develop, and occupy the land. Dahil 'pag hindi in-occupy o dine-develop, papasukin ng kung sino-sino lang [Because if it is not occupied, it may be entered by anyone],” he said. 

Moreover, Iligan City General Services Office Officer-in-Charge Letecia Bariñan said the turnover of land titles symbolized the cooperation and collaborative efforts between the national government, city government, and the Philippine Army. She said the land title is more than just a piece of paper, as it also represents the trust and confidence of the Philippine Army. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)