ARMI members now consider offer for 6 mos. Extension

CEBU, Philippines - Members of Archangels Residents Mergence Incorporated (ARMI) of Sitio San Miguel in Barangay Apas, Cebu City want to evaluate first the conditions of the six months extension offered by the lawyer of Mariano Godinez.

According to the residents, they would sign the agreement if they find, after evaluation and consultation, that the conditions are justifiable and not just only advantageous for Godinez.

ARMI secretary Ann Serena Martel said they are still waiting for a formal letter from Atty. Roberto Palmares regarding the proposed agreement.

“Regarding sa agreement wala pa may niduol namo, wala sad mi kabalo kung kinsa’y duolon,” Martel said.

Palmares offered to give the residents a period of six months to relocate themselves subject of the condition that they will voluntarily vacate the property.

Martel said that they considered the offer as the only immediate remedy they have after the court lifted the suspension of the writ of demolition.

Martel admitted they feared that their houses will be demolished today if they refused to enter into an agreement with Godinez.

They are however seeking the assistance of the City government through the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP).

She said that they want to known the real stand of the City government since the lot they occupied has been declared a Socialized Housing Zone.

Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman said they will deploy tanods and fire trucks at the site of demolition today to prevent harmful incidents.

“Mao gyud na atong problema, wala tay area diri nga pwede kabalhinan,” Ayuman said.

Ayuman said that if the demolition would push through today, the barangay would use the open court as temporary shelter for the affected residents.

He said that since yesterday, they have not received any notice from the court sheriff regarding the demolition. — (FREEMAN)