Park movement formed amid controversy
GEN. SANTOS CITY, Nov. 11 (PNA) -- City residents who object the sale of a 1.5 hectare lot being claimed by the city government at Magsaysay Park here have bonded together under a group called Justice for Magsaysay Park Movement ( JMPM).
This formation of the movement came amid a tense situation in the area which already resulted in the killing Sunday of a security guard and the wounding of two others including a nine year old girl.
In a manifesto sent to various media outlets, JMPM members said the park is part of the city's patrimonial property and must be preserved and protected at all cost " against any group or individual with selfish interest."
The movement expressed dismay over the failure of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ( DENR) to protect the interest of the city over the property in question.
The same manifesto cited the failure of concerned government agencies " to efficiently discharge its avowed duty " that prompted the formation of the movement.
JMPM vowed to initiate moves that would express their strong objection to what they alleged as highly anomalous titling to private individuals and sale of the 1.5 hectare property.
The ownership of the property, located along a beach in this city's center, was being contested since a decade ago by the city government and the heirs of one Kabalu Usop.
But, reports broke out that it was recently titled to 16 different individuals and sold collectively for 400 million pesos to the Armed Forces Reservists Services and Benefit System (RSBS).
RSBS, which already bought lots adjacent to the said property, plans to set up what it called an integrated worldclass project that would cost some seven billion pesos.
The project would include the construction of malls, condominium towers, a theme park and a marina in a six-hectare property along Acharon Boulevard at Baranggay Dadiangas South. (PNA)