The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Pangasinan, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 1, and the Local Government Unit of Bayambang held a joint inter-agency meeting last Tuesday, December 6, at the Mayor’s Office.

The meeting was aimed at conducting a consultation with claimants represented by the Anakpawis group and the Kilusang Mangbubukid ng Pilipinas over the Camp Gregg Military Reservation and the areas surrounding Mangabul Lake and, if possible, come up with a settlement or solution. Among the topics discussed is the history of the disputed land area.

The DENR delegation was led by Regional Director Homer Tobias and Regional Technical Director Gwendolyn Bambalan, while the DAR delegation was led by Provincial Chief Maria Anna Francisco. Joseph Canlas represented KMP.

Camp Gregg Military Reservation is being claimed by the Cojuangcos, among other claimants. It presently includes barangays Cadre Site, Sancagulis, Bical Sur, Bical Norte, Magsaysay, Del Pilar, Buayaen, Dusoc, Telbang, Zone 7 and Poblacion Sur.

Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao welcomed this opportunity for the individuals involved and hoped for good developments, adding that his actions will be in accordance with the rule of law and order.

The event ended with an agreement by all parties to create a Technical Working Group to further clarify in a separate meeting the questions raised during the consultation.

(Bayambang PIO/Media Affairs)