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IN’s prov’l board scores Apayao mayor on Bucarot row

By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter

IF THE COUNTRY as a whole is currently embroiled in a territorial dispute with China, here in Ilocos Norte, a sitio in Adams is also a subject of a tug-of-war between two municipalities of two provinces.

Sitio Bucarot, located about 10 kilometers from Adams’ town proper, has become the main issue in a dispute between the northern Ilocos Norte town and Calanasan town in Apayao, as both are claiming the said area.

To make matters worse, the Calansan side has reportedly threatened local residents here to agree that they belong to the Apayao town or face demolition of their houses.

This was discovered by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Vicentito “Toto” M. Lazo when he visited the 30 households in the sitio.

“Politically, it’s not sound because there are only 60 voters in the area but we are talking about our jurisdiction and territorial integrity here,” Lazo said as he explained that access to this sitio from Adams town proper is only either by foot or by two-wheeled vehicles. The road going to the sitio is a dirt road with a narrow wooden bridge along the way that can only hold a limited capacity.

Over the past 16 years, residents of Sitio Bucarot have been confused over the long-standing territorial dispute that was reignited in recent years with the opening of roads connecting to brgy. Tanglagan of Calanasan town including the recent construction of a police outpost here.

On April 8, P/Insp. Clemente Ceralde, acting police chief of Adams confirmed in a police blotter that a resident of Sitio Bucarot identified as Arnel Abian, 36, reported to the police that Calansan Mayor Elias Bulut Sr. has warned several residents in the area to demolish their houses should they insist that they are part of Adams and not of Calanasan.

In view of this, a provincial resolution of protest and condemnation against the acts of the local chief executive of Calanasan town, sponsored by SP member Atty. Da Vinci M. Crisostomo, was passed at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall.

“I am somewhat worried. This problem has cropped up long before. This must be a great concern of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as they may presume we have not done anything about it. It’s time we take this seriously,” Crisostomo said as the reported move of the Calanasan mayor threatening people in the area as a clear sign of “abuse of authority.”

As of press time, Calanasan mayor have been unavailable for comment. A placard visibly seen in Sitio Bucarot however states: “We are here not to govern and rule. Not to lead and serve but to help and share our love and care.” Below the statement bears the name of the Calanasan mayor.

Also, Lazo drafted a resolution on calling for a joint session between the province of Apayao and Ilocos Norte to thresh out issues about the boundary dispute.

As a general procedure, Lazo said that based on Section 118 under paragraphs C and E of the Local Government Code, a boundary dispute involving two provinces must be endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the contesting municipalities for amicable settlement. Should there be no amicable settlement within 60 days from the date of filing, then the aggrieved party may file a case at the judiciary.

In a separate interview with Calanasan Vice Mayor Martin Laoat aired over a local television station in Laoag City, he reiterated that the Calansan government have no interest in Sitio Bucarot. “If it is owned by Ilocos Norte, so be it. You should come and visit here to know what is happening,” Laoat said in the live interview.

Based on a civil complaint earlier filed by the municipality of Adams against Calansan, it may be recalled that then Calansan mayor initiated the appointment of separate officials of Sitio Bucarot in 1998. Then in 2002, then Calanasan Mayor now Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang reappointed officials in the area, giving them at least a P500 honoraria and P200 travel allowance when attending meetings at the Calansan town proper.

From 2002 to 2005, various infrastructure projects were introduced by the Calanasan government which include a Day Care center and a primary school, irrigation canal, spring development, multi-purpose pavement and now with a road opening to Tanglagan village including construction of a police outpost manned by the Calanasan police.

Household survey were also conducted giving specific numbers to houses there from 2005 to 2006 which prompted then Adams Mayor Wilma Dupagen-Daquioag to file a civil suit on March 2007 but it was later on dismissed by the court due to lack of jurisdiction over a boundary dispute.

A pending appeal however has yet to be resolved at the Court of Appeals.

According to Lazo, the SP resolution calling for a joint session with the Apayao provincial board is meant to thresh out issues concerning the boundary dispute without prejudice to an on-going civil suit filed at the CA.


“If they will not act on it or if they will ignore it, then we have enough reason to bring the case in court,” Lazo said.

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