Renewed clashes in Boracay over ancestral land dispute

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Tensions have resurfaced on the idyllic Boracay Island following reports that security guards, purportedly employed by developers, cordoned off land habitually occupied by Ati residents.

The contested areas are situated in sitios Cagban Babaw, Bantud, and Angol, within Barangay Manoc-manoc. It appeared that not all properties that were taken over belonged to the Ati community.

The friction came to light after the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization (ABATO) released a statement asserting that their ancestral lands were fenced on March 24 by guards acting on developers’ orders.

On the subsequent night, Ati mothers were reportedly barred from their homes, compelling them to seek alternate shelter while their children stayed behind alone.

The developer-claimants have purportedly claimed that the Ati’s land titles were rescinded by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Office.

“However, no final order has been received by the tribe, as the legal proceedings regarding the land ownership dispute are still ongoing,” the community said.

They’ve filed a Motion for Reconsideration with DAR’s Bureau of Agrarian Legal Assistance, but this has been rejected.

To recall, in November 2018, the Ati community in Boracay was awarded 3.1 hectares across five lots by then-President Rodrigo Duterte, via a Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) from the DAR.

The Ati community utilized the once seemingly abandoned lots for agriculture, supporting themselves throughout the pandemic and supplying surplus produce to local businesses.

“Over the past two years, the Ati community has transformed the land into productive agricultural areas, cultivating vegetable gardens and raising livestock, including dragon fruit. Their agricultural output has sustained them through the pandemic, with surplus produce being supplied to local hotels and businesses,” ABATO added.

Nonetheless, in 2023, the Ati were notified by the DAR of an approved application to annul their CLOA. Their subsequent Motions for Reconsideration were rejected.

Amidst the conflict, ABATO has called upon the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for assistance.

Police made an ocular visit to Sitio Cagban Babaw on March 24 after reports of security deployment surfaced.

They found guards posted inside the disputed 1,282-square-meter lot, acting on a developer’s contract, following the CLOA cancellation validated by DAR resolutions dated March 5, 2024, and a Certificate of Finality dated January 15, 2024.

Prior to police intervention, Punong Barangay Danilo delos Santos and Sister Ellana Inah, accompanied by Maria Tamboon and Maria Condez, confronted the situation, questioning the DAR documents and the guards’ presence.

With the matter pending in court and no status quo order granted, the barangay refrained from intervening, instead ensuring that 11 residents inside were not obstructed from accessing their homes.

On March 24, officials attempted to rescue minors reportedly confined in their home at Sitio Angelo but were declined by the guardians.

Tension arose again at Sitio Bantud on March 26 when security guards began fencing, including around a lawyer’s residence. The lawyer later entered the premises, causing the police and village officials to mediate once more.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 has consulted with DAR – Region 6 for guidance, given the ongoing legal battle.

Malay Mayor Floribar Bautista, informed by Sister Inah, dispatched MSWDO staff but acknowledged the limited role of the local government pending judicial resolution.