Apas in quandary over lot ownership

CEBU, Philippines - The Presidential Commission on Urban Poor 7 visited sitio Baca, Barangay Apas yesterday to verify the ownership of the lot, which is being claimed by private individuals.

The agency, represented by its section head on special project Edmund Del Puerto, went to the area that caught fire last Wednesday after the barangay, acting on the help of the fire victims, sought the help of the commission.

“Gisubay nila kung kinsa gyud ang tag-iya sa lot kay naa man gu’y nag-claim, mga heirs ni Teresita ug Pacifico Go, nga ilaha daw ang maong yuta,” Ayuman said.

A day after the fire, Ayuman said a certain Sydney Go, who represented the Go family, went to the area and claimed ownership of the lot.

“Timing sad mibisita ko sa fire scene ug nagkaabot mi,” Ayuman said.

An argument reportedly ensued between him and Sydney when the latter ordered the construction of a guard house in the area and when a signboard with a warning: No trespassing. This is a private property” was put up.

Ayuman said Syndey furnished him a copy of the lot title, which prompted the barangay to seek assistance from PCUP and the city government’s Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor.

As of yesterday, the 18 households started reconstructing their houses at the same lot after the city government provided them with reconstruction materials.

Ayuman said even with the presence of the guards, no commotion transpired during the reconstruction.

“But dili lang sad mi magkumpiyansa kay basin mukalit ra og saywar ang mga gwardya. Wa mi nila pugngi magreconstruct og balik didto but nagpaugat sad sila kay ilaha lagi daw ang lot,” he said.

Following yesterday’s visit, Del Puerto said that if the lot will be proven to be privately owned, the residents will have two options – either to rent the lot or face an ejectment case.

The fire at 6pm last Wednesday razed at least 18 houses in sitio Baka and destroyed valuables and properties about P350,000.

Hardest hit were students and Gaisano Country Mall workers renting rooms in boarding houses that were among those destroyed by the fire. - (THE FREEMAN)