The Committee on Boundary Dispute, chaired by Board Member Bryan Paul A. Vargas, conducted a hearing to address the boundary issue between the Municipality of Baggao and the Municipality of Peñablanca, particularly involving Sitio Bayan of San Miguel and Sitio Valley Cove of Sta. Margarita.

Present during the hearing were Sangguniang Members from both municipalities, barangay officials from the affected areas, representatives from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and representatives from the Provincial Legal Office (PLO), who provided legal guidance on the procedures mandated under the Local Government Code.

In his opening remarks, Board Member Vargas emphasized the importance of settling boundary disputes amicably and through due process, emphasizing that such conflicts, if left unresolved, may hinder the effective delivery of basic services and local development initiatives.

The Committee has directed both municipalities to submit their respective documentary evidence and supporting materials within thirty (30) days from the date of the hearing, which will serve as references for further evaluation and comparison of official records. Thereafter, the Committee will conduct an ocular inspection in the disputed sitios, in coordination with officials from the concerned barangays and technical personnel from PLO and PPDO, to verify the geographical markers, determine the actual boundaries on the ground, and ensure accuracy and impartiality in the findings.

The results of the hearing, along with the ocular inspection and submitted documents, will form the basis of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s recommendation and final resolution of the dispute.

Also present during the hearing were Board Members Alniñoson Kevin M. Timbas and Vilmer V. Viloria from the 2nd District, who expressed support for a fair and peaceful resolution of the dispute. The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that both parties are heard and that the process remains fair, transparent, and in accordance with due process.

-JT