Barangay Captain: Spare Carreta from politics

CEBU, Philippines - Barangay Carreta Captain Eduardo Lauron appealed for city officials to spare his people from politics after the Squatters Prevention and Encroachment Elimination Division allegedly tried to stop the construction of the chapel in the fire-stricken sitio Ponce 2 last week because the chapel was reportedly being constructed through the efforts of South District Representative Tomas Osmeña.

SPEED Chief Noel Artes said he ordered a stop in the construction because there was no building permit and the re-blocking is yet to be completed.

“Unya na unta sila mag-construct sa chapel balik inig kahuman sa re-blocking. Sa atong plano, duna na ta’y gigahin unta na lugar para sa chapel nga dili sa area na i-lang gitukuran karon,” Artes said.

Despite the cease and desist order, Lauron ordered the construction to continue.

“Ako silang giingnan na ipadayon, bahala na. Lain man gud paminawon nga sagulan og politika. Luoy kaayo ang mga tawo,” Lauron said.

He said they requested for that chapel from Rep. Osmeña and they are rushing it for the Sinulog on January.

“Amo nang gi-request didto kang Congressman ug iya sigurong gihangyo didto sa iyang mga amigo so kana siya nga Chapel, donated na siya,” Lauron said.

Dakay Construction is building the chapel while a production company is reportedly financing the project.

“Ang sa among nadunggan, ang Bigfoot ang nag-gasto,” Lauron said.

He said he defied the order of SPEED because he believes that they are doing nothing wrong.

He said the Chapel is constructed right where it used to be before the August fire and they made sure that it will not encroach on the 10-meter road.

“Amo man nga gisukod daan ang dalan, wala sya nakalapas. Makuhaan lang ang sidewalk gamay pero gamay ra man kaayo na,” Lauron said.

He said the chapel will be completed this month.

Lauron believes that they do not need a building permit to build the chapel.

Artes denied that the move to stop the construction was politically motivated.

He said they are only working so everything will be according to the planned re-blocking in the fire-stricken sitio in Carreta.  (FREEMAN)