[ Manila Bulletin Online ] January 10, 2009
DAVAO CITY (PNA) — The city council here approved early this week an ordinance authorizing City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to purchase a parcel of land in Barangay Sirawan, Toril to be used as a public cemetery for Muslim residents in the city.
Despite the objection of Sirawan village chief Madjid Lumpapac, the majority of the City Council members approved the ordinance on second reading.
Earlier, the proposed ordinance had been set for approval on third reading but was recalled by the City Council after receiving a letter dated Jan. 2 from the office of Lumpapac objecting the plan of the city to use the land as a public cemetery.
In his letter, Lumpapac said the new Sangguniang Barangay or village council has not passed a village resolution to the City Council or to any other concerned city office or government agency concerning the purchase of the Noredyan A. Tadile and Racman Lingas properties to be used as a public cemetery.
It was learned that the city needs a village resolution of no objection to be able to purchase the land.
However, the previous council, which was recently replaced, had issued a resolution regarding the proposed cemetery site.
In his letter of objection, Lumpapac said the area for public cemetery is "adjacent to the community and to the water source being used by the residents of Sirawan Muslim community."
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