Pacquiao to buy 5 acre land for flood victims

Philippine boxing idol Manny Pacquiao has ordered the purchase of a five acre land for the relocation of at least 100 families displaced by massive flooding in his former residence in General Santos City.

Lorelei Pacquiao, chairwoman of Barangay Labangal, said that the boxing champion has given her the go-signal to lead the processing for the purchase and development of the five acre relocation site.

The barangay chair, a sister-in-law of the boxing champ, said that they will work double time to make sure that the relocation site for victims of flashfloods along Silway River will be ready by the end of the year.

Floods caused by heavy rains since July 3 displaced some 103 families from puroks Matinabangon and Bulaong extension of Barangay Labangal.

The displaced families have been barred by local authorities to return to their communities due to risks of more severe floods. The victims are now staying in a Barangay Labangal’s gymnasium.

The village chief said that the remaining evacuees agreed to leave the facility on Monday and temporarily relocate to other areas pending the acquisition and development of their resettlement site.

She said the boxing champion, who grew up in Barangay Labangal, also gave out a cash assistance of P2,500 to each of the displaced families.