Final notice for Mahiga creek settlers

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama ordered the City’s Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division (Speed) to demolish the 132 illegal houses built along the bed and within the three-meter easement of the Mahiga Creek in barangay Mabolo.

Speed chief Noel Artes said his office already sent final notices to the families concerned so they could tear down their houses voluntarily. Otherwise, the Speed will destroy these on April 19.

Artes said the illegal structures scheduled to be destroyed are in five sitios of barangay Mabolo: San Isidro, APM, Back Pepsi, Magtalisay, Sindulan and New Frontier.

“Subra na sa tulo ka buwan nga gihatagan namo sila ug notice to vacate pero wala lang gihapon mamahawa mao nga giisyuhan na namo sila og final notice to vacate,” Artes told reporters yesterday. (It’s been three months since we gave them the notice to vacate but they refused to, so now we sent them the final notice.)

According to Artes, there’s no need for a court order to demolish the illegal structures because these are considered public nuisance under the National Building Code.

 But City Hall received a letter from the officials of Sitio San Isidro II Neighborhood & Homeowners Association Inc. to spare them from the demolition.

“We are begging your kind heart to please allow us to occupy portion of the lot owned by the Cebu City Government beside the Mahiga Creek,” said homeowners’ association president Gemma Rosacena.

Rosacena suggested that instead of driving them out from the area, the City will develop the place into presentable but affordable townhouses for them.

The City Council is scheduled to discuss the matter during its regular session. — (FREEMAN)