DILG orders probe into Tejero demolition

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is reminding once again the local government units to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Republic Act of 1992 and ensure that the provisions of the law are complied with before demolitions are implemented.  

DILG – 7 Regional Director Pedro Noval has taken action on the complaint filed by Tejero Barangay Captain Jessielou Cadungog against the Cebu City Government’s anti-squatting unit for issuing a notice of demolition to at least 58 families occupying the U. Alviola Street in Tejero to give way to road restoration efforts.

Noel Artes, head of the Squatters Prevention and Encroachment Elimination Division (SPEED), issued the demolition order and they were given 10 days to comply. It was issued last August 19 but it has not been implemented after the officials and the residents of the barangay sought the assistance of then acting mayor Joy Augustus Young. 

Noval already instructed city DILG officer Patricio Gabuya to conduct an inquiry on the issuance of the notice of demolition to the 58 families in Tejero. 

“Submit a report on the result of the inquiry from SPEED and other such actions taken on the concerns of Punong Barangay Cadungog,” Noval said in his letter to Gabuya. 

Gabuya was given until next week to submit his report to the Central Office.

The DILG already reminded LGUs to give a 30-day notice before evicting homeless or underprivileged citizens and to provide them with adequate relocation sites.

Section 27 of the Local Government Code also states that “no eviction or demolition shall be implemented” without consultations with the affected families – those who will be transferred and those who live in the communities where the relocation site is. (FREEMAN)