Following the distribution of demolition notices for a 3-meter road expansion plan, Angeles City’s (AC) Local Government Unit (LGU) has yet to present relocation or compensation plans for Abacan riverside residents in Purok 4B and 5B, Barangay Pampang.
The Task Force on Abacan River Waterways Management (TF Abacan) issued notices on August 1, giving affected families 10 days to self-demolish or vacate. The first of three notices “strictly ordered” compliance from residents, according to the local government.
However, residents say that there has been no discussion on possible relocation plans, financial compensation, or other arrangements related to the AC LGU’s land acquisition.
“Yung City Engineer‘s Office, wala pa, hindi pa sila nakipag-usap sa amin… wala pa sa ‘ming nagpapakita na galing sa City Hall,” St. Vincent Home Owners’ Association (HOA) President Eugenia Oguin said, further stating that the last time the office made contact was on the distribution of the demolition notices on August 1.
The demolition follows AC Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II’s Executive Order No. 003, series of 2025, issued July 8. The order mandates TF Abacan to implement a river clearing and rehabilitation plan, which includes the removal of illegal and temporary structures, the creation of green belts, and regular maintenance along the Abacan River Diversion Roads.
In addition, TF Abacan outlined plans to section off the 3-meter road easement, document all structures and households within it, and issue “notices of violation” to the “illegal” structures located in the planned expansion area.
However, Oguin reported that the Barangay Pampang council had only been able to convene with the HOA on August 8, Friday — stating further that prior to August 1, residents had not been informed of the demolition plans.
“Wala naman siyang sinabi sa amin na, ‘huwag kayong mag-alala na ganito meron ibibigay sa inyo na ano pabahay o kaya financial.’ Ang sinabi lang sa amin… ’Huwag daw kayong mag-alala, tutulungan daw kayo…’ kasi magbibigay daw ‘yong gobyerno ng livelihood.” Oguin relayed. “Aanhin naman namin yung livelihood na ‘yun wala naman kaming tirahan?”
The community faced similar notices on August 27, 2024, for a 12-meter road construction project; residents were given a three-day notice by the City Engineer’s Office to self-demolish structures within the claimed area, with no relocation plans offered.
“Noong una, siyempre ay nasa utos din ng City Engineer’s Office ng Angeles na tatayuan kasi kailangan daw ng highway doon sa side. Ang ginawa ng residents, dahil walang clear na relocation or compensation, ay inusog nalang ‘yong mga bahay nila,” community organizer Lex Rivera shared.
In a letter delivered to Barangay Chairman Dela Cruz on August 7, the Office of the City Engineer announced that surveys to determine road widening limits would begin on August 12.
Rivera added that the barangay council and staff would assist the surveyors, working alongside regional representatives from the Department of Transportation.
The Angelite is reaching out to the Angeles city LGU and DPWH for their side of the matter.
This is a developing story.
