DHSUD issues violation notice vs memorial park amid desecration claims
THE tombstones on this grave complex can be seen with red X marks, which continues to spark outrage from lot owners and the families of their loved ones’ vandalized and desecrated graves at the Ala-Ala Memorial Park in Mogpog, Marinduque.
Photograph courtesy of Dennis Mangcucang
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has issued a notice of violation to the management of the embattled Ala-Ala Memorial Park in Mogpog, Marinduque, amid allegations of grave desecration.
According to a reliable source from the agency, the notice of violation was issued on 4 February 2026, following a conference requested by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Marinduque on 29 January.
The memorial park has 15 days to provide a written explanation regarding the notice, which was sparked by the grievances of the relatives of those entombed in the said park.
Reports also disclosed that the management allegedly failed to provide definitive statements of account to lot owners, leading to confusion hence, the formal complaints.
Atty. Vet Peña of the DivinaLaw Office stated that aggrieved families can sue for damages and can compel the memorial park’s management to restore any vandalized graves.
DAILY TRIBUNE reached out to Mogpog Mayor Senen “Jojo” Livelo, who said the local government is launching a probe into the management’s alleged atrocities.
“We have only just learned about the issue, so I am not yet prepared to provide any information,” Livelo said. “I am currently gathering details because it would be difficult to speak on the matter without a clear understanding of what is happening. I will reach out as soon as I have something to share.”
However, Dennis Mangcucang, who first brought the issue to DAILY TRIBUNE, said the matter had already been discussed by the Mogpog Council and was even the subject of a privilege speech by a provincial board member.
Responding to Livelo’s claim that the issue was only recently brought to the local government’s attention, Mangcucang shot back, saying that the violations have been ongoing for years. He expressed skepticism regarding the local government’s lack of awareness.
“This has been going on for years, so it seems impossible that the local government has no information regarding the matter,” Mangcucang said. “It seems they do not want to get involved.”
Mangcucang cited that the current mayor, Senen Livelo, and his brother, Vice Mayor Leo Livelo, have been at the helm of Mogpog for almost 20 years, making it “highly suspect” for them to feign cluelessness regarding Ala-Ala Park.
“They have been in the local government service for over a decade, so it is hard to believe they have no knowledge of the memorial park’s violations. The park’s owners are even their neighbors,” Mangcucang said.
He also lamented that previous complainants have abandoned their grievances due to a lack of action of the local government unit despite consistent calls for an investigation.
“Long-time complainants are no longer pursuing the matter because of frustration,” Mangcucang said. “It is sad that justice has been denied to many Mogpoguenos for a very long time. I am hoping that with our continued calls, we can resolve this soon,” he concluded.