Davao City prohibits professional squatters

Squatters living. (picture courtesy)

The local government in Davao City is firm to enforce the city ordinance prohibiting professional squatters.

According to Mr. Roy Ryan Rigor, who is the chief of the city's Housing and Homesite Development, said during the I-Speak forum held at the City Hall, that the proliferation of illegal squatting for the past months has gone intense in the Davao area.

"Professional squatters" refers to "individuals or groups who occupy lands without the express consent of the landowner and who have sufficient income for legitimate housing" (Legal Wiki)

"The squatters these days have gone big time and some of them are even carrying fake titles to claim a specific parcel of land," Rigor said.The latest incident was this month in Talomo where policemen arrested a man who claimed his ownership over a parcel of land in Matina Aplaya. The same man, named Gavas, is regarded as a leader of professional squatters from Bohol being surrounded by a group of 30 other men. 

Gavas and his group are facing charges of trespassing, malicious mischief, robbery, and grave threats.

The city government is working closely with legitimate property owners who have sought the assistance in fighting against the illegal settlers that took occupancy of their properties.

Rigor emphasized in his talk that professional squatters do not qualify for the services that the city extends to informal settlers which include free relocation area.