Hi,
I'm trying to help our DH with a problem she's having at home. She owns a few lots in the Philippines and has a neighbor on one side who's built their home partially on her land. (Concrete foundation and all). I've been able to find information on squatting and see that since she has clear title, the neighbors have no claim to the property no matter how long they infringe on it, so that's one issue solved.
More importantly for the moment is property damage. She purchased some young fruit trees last summer and want's her family to be able to harvest and sell the fruit in the future. The young plants are being trampled and some even killed by the neighbors walking across her property. She's asked her Mother to approach them about the house and damage, but this other family has reacted very agressively and frightened her mother. I've looked for some web information and can't find much. I thought if she could find out what the law allows her to do, we could start by drafting a letter to the neighbors. An attorney would be best, but too expensive for her.
If it is neighbor problem, it has to be reported with the Barangay Captain. The people concerned will be asked for a meeting. Your DH family should blotter their complaints in the municipality. That is the cheapest way.
Thank you Beancurd. I did a quick search and found out what a Barangay Captain is and it seems the best first step. Mentioned it to her today. She hadn't thought of that either. Cheers