FIVE individuals were arrested yesterday, February 26, for alleged trespassing on an eight-hectare property in Sitio Kampo, Purok 6, Tubajon, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.
Authorities also confiscated deadly weapons, including improvised firearms and knives, allegedly in the possession of the suspects, according to Master Sergeant Mark Valles of the Laguindingan Police.
Valles said the suspects were apprehended by security personnel hired by the property owner, Ibrahim Properties.
The suspects claimed they were merely hired to clear weeds on the land and were unaware of any ownership disputes.
“Igo ra daw sila (the suspects) gisuhulan para magbantay ani. Wala sila’y kasayuran nga kani nga yuta naay tag iya,” said Valles.
The weapons found in their possession also violated the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, he added.
The five individuals had been staying on the land for 10 days, receiving a P350 daily wage. However, as of their arrest, they had not yet been paid.
“Wala pa mi ka sweldo,” said one of the suspects, identified only as ‘Ding,’ said.
He added that they were from Iligan City and were unaware of whether their employer was the land’s legitimate owner.
According to Valles, this was the third time police had responded to reports of alleged land grabbers occupying the area. Some claim to be heirs of the property owner, leading to ongoing disputes.
Valles urged landowners to secure their properties to prevent similar incidents.
“Kung mapalit na ninyo ang yuta, ma title-lan ug na transfer na sa inyo. Atimanon gyud ug koralon. Dili paabuton nga maabtan pag pila ka tuig ayha pa koralon kay mahal ang yuta. Ang mga tao karon gapangita ug yuta nga ilang mapuy-an, iskwaton pa gyud kung mahimo nila,” said Valles.
The five suspects are currently detained at the Laguindingan Police Station for proper disposition.
