CAGAYAN de Oro City — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office has directed its Region X office to submit a status report on an investigation involving the Manresa Campus property of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.

The directive was welcomed by a group seeking clarification on the legal status of the property.

Lawyer Ralph Angelo B. Metrillo, counsel for the Concerned XU Parents, Teachers, Alumni and Communities, Inc. (COPTAC), confirmed receiving a copy of the June 1 memorandum issued by the DENR Central Office.

Read also: Showdown over Manresa: Legal row ignites ahead of DENR hearing

The memorandum, signed by DENR Assistant Secretary Norlito A. Eneran, chairperson of the Anti-Illegal Land Titling Committee, instructed DENR Region X to provide an update on actions taken regarding allegations of possible violations of Section 70 of the Public Land Act involving the university's Manresa property.

Metrillo said the memorandum indicates that concerns raised by the group have reached the national leadership of the agency and are now undergoing formal review.

“We are pleased to acknowledge that we have received the official communication from the DENR Central Office addressed to the Regional Executive Director,” Metrillo said.

“This confirms that the issues raised in our position paper have been recognized and are being acted upon by the department.”

COPTAC first raised the matter before DENR Region X in December 2024 and followed it up through another communication in March 2026.

According to Metrillo, the directive requires the regional office to review existing records and report on measures undertaken so far, a process he described as necessary to ensure compliance with legal and administrative procedures.

“Our objective has always been to ensure that matters involving public lands are examined in accordance with existing laws and regulations,” he said.

“The questions we raised deserve official clarification and determination, and this directive provides an avenue for a comprehensive review.”

He emphasized that the group's position is rooted in the equal application of the law and is not intended to undermine the university.

“We recognize Xavier University's significant contributions to education and community development,” Metrillo said.

“However, concerns regarding land restrictions and compliance with the Public Land Act must also be properly addressed. This is about upholding the rule of law, regardless of the institution involved.”

The DENR clarified that the memorandum does not constitute a finding of liability against the university. Rather, it forms part of the agency's administrative oversight process to determine whether sufficient grounds exist for further legal action, including the possible filing of a reversion case if warranted by the findings.

With the directive now in effect, Metrillo expressed hope that DENR Region X will promptly submit its report and provide the public with clarity on the matter.

“We trust that the regional office will carry out its mandate objectively and efficiently,” he said.

“We remain ready to cooperate with the department in pursuing a fair, transparent, and lawful resolution of this issue.”