No aid for squatters evicted from danger zones

Despite a scheduled removal, few days from now, of shanties constructed along danger zones that go flooded during heavy rains, Mayor Tomas Osmeña won’t buy the idea of providing financial assistance to squatters.

“Danger zones” are places situated beside riverbanks, under bridges, or in landslide-prone areas that are currently occupied by illegal settlers who built their shanties in these places despite warnings made by government workers.

Osmeña said he is afraid that once the city provides financial assistance to squatters living in danger zones, and give them relocation sites, the move would set a precedent.

He admitted the problem is “very difficult to solve as there are so many people from the provinces who flock to the city in search for greener pastures, but have no place to live in.” Most fail to get a job, and end up building illegal structures in said danger zones.

Many of these illegal structures are found along Kinalumsan River in barangays Mambaling to Duljo-Fatima, and along a creek in Carreta, Mabolo and in some other barangays. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV