The Iloilo City Council will launch an investigation into the alleged anomalous issuance of private land titles covering mangrove areas along the Iloilo Strait, following claims that portions of protected coastal zones were titled as homestead properties. The inquiry was triggered by a privilege speech delivered by City Councilor Romel Duron on Wednesday, Jan. 14, raising concerns over the titling of at least three homestead patents covering about 50 hectares of coastal land in the barangays of Balabago, Bitoon and Hinactacan. The council approved Duron’s privileged motion directing the body to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation.

Castor, R. Z., & Marzan, J. B. A. (2026, January 15). City council probes mangrove land title controversy. DailyGuardian, pp. 1, 11.