Iloilo city: The Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council) is urging Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla to implement emergency measures to protect and preserve the mangrove forests in Barangay Bito-on, Jaro district, amidst increasing encroachments by developers and land speculators. This request follows after the council passed a resolution authored by Councilor Romel Duron, who highlighted the issue during a privilege speech at their regular session. According to Philippines News Agency, the resolution was passed following a committee investigation led by Duron, which uncovered the issuance of 'anomalous homestead patents' in Barangays Bito-on, Hinactacan, and Balabago. The investigation revealed that the control numbers of these homestead patents, issued to individuals named Mercedes Supapo, Sergio Calizo Jr., and Alfredo Salcedo Sr., were also used in different regions such as Negros Occidental, Davao del Norte, and Gattaran in Cagayan Valley. Notably, the issuing body, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was dissolved in 1974. Duron emphasized that the city's 50 hectares of mangrove forests are at the center of these controversies, with titles allegedly belonging to fake patent holders. Further investigations led to the discovery of two approved fishpond lease agreements (FLAs) within the mangrove forests, affecting local fishers' access and livelihood. These FLAs, numbered 3483-H and 6351, were issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to Jeco Agro Aqua and Land Ventures. The leases, dated February 28, 2025, appear to overlap with the disputed homestead patents. In a follow-up interview, Duron noted that fishers in the area have reported disruptions to their livelihoods, as they could no longer access the mangrove area. He added that the operators of the lease agreements are yet to secure necessary permits from the barangay or a resolution of non-objection from the city. The council also approved four additional resolutions, including r equests for the DENR Western Visayas to expedite its investigation into the issuance of the homestead patents, a review by Secretary Lotilla of the policies and procedures on homestead issuance, the cancellation or reversion of the homestead patents, and a request for the DENR and BFAR to provide the city council with copies of the FLAs.