By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

In response to residents of Hinoba-an’s Barangay Bacuyangan reportedly set up barricades on their land in opposition to the proposed construction of the nearly $300 million Tsuneishi Heavy Industries shipbuilding facility, Hinoba-an Mayor Ernesto Estrao appealed for barangay residents to visit his office to discuss the matter.

The proposed facility is expected to stretch across around 300 hectares in the said barangay, along with nearby Barangays Obong and Salvacion.

In a radio interview, Estrao said residents should bring their complaints forward legally, instead of setting up barricades.

He pointed out, before the area was bulldozed and a roadway was built in the area, there was already a court order granting construction.

The mayor previously noted, “We respect the residents in the area, however, some of them have yet to digest the objective of why we are establishing an economic zone.”

Earlier, September 21 Movement leader Felipe Gelle said local residents, especially those with certificates of land ownership awards, remain opposed to the project.

He said a majority of residents believe the structure will impact their livelihood.

In addition, Save Hinoba-an Movement advocacy group spokesperson Jimwell Canedo also claimed the project would displace at least 500 residents, noting some are Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program beneficiaries./DGB, WDJ