SPEED destroys 16 shanties under Kinalumsan Bridge

Elements of the Squatters Prevention and Encroachment Elimination Division yesterday demolished 16 illegal structures mostly shanties situated under the Kinalumsan Bridge in barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

Residents showed no resistance when elements of the SPEED started tearing down the said illegal structures. Most of the structures were situated near the riverbank.

SPEED operation chief Frank Gajudo said the order for demolition has long been overdue.

"Last year pa unta ni pero wala lang dayon mabadlong," Gajudo said

The demolition order was signed by Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

SPEED, in its standard operating procedure, asked the assistance of the Mambaling Police to address situations that might arise should residents demonstrate resistance. However, the latter were cooperative to authorities.

The clearing operation done on illegal structures under bridges and near riverbanks is in response to the call for safety of city constituents at the onset of the rainy months.

"Lisod kaayo kun dili lang gyud mo-action ang goberno basin kita na say tulisokon nganong wala dayon ta mo-action. Kun imong tan-awon ang dapit dili gyud kaayo safe ilabi na ang baha dinhi sa Kinalumsan moabot gyud sa liog sa tawo," Gajudo said.

There was no relocation offered for the affected residents. - Ramil V. Ayuman