Muslim group in Ermita told to vacate city lot

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has ordered the occupants of the lot bought by the city government for the construction of the Ermita Elementary School.

Rama ordered the 67 people living in the area to vacate the lot not later than April 15. The city government bought two parcels of lot from Alberto Manda in Barangay Ermita where school buildings are to be constructed.

However, the members of the Carbon Muslim Brotherhood Incorporated who are renting the place refused to leave. The association headed by Datu Esmael Bao yesterday sought the help of the city council.

Councilor Alvin Dizon, head of the committee on housing, sponsored a resolution asking Rama to hold consultation with the affected residents before evicting them.

“While the construction of the school is for public purpose and will undoubtedly benefit the students in Ermita, it is also incumbent upon the city government to address the needs of the 67 building occupants who will be affected by the construction of the school,” said Dizon.

He also asked the Local School Board to first conduct a consultation with the occupants to discuss possible solutions to their problem. The mayor described Dizon’s move as politically motivated.

Rama said a consultation has been conducted and it did not work. The residents’ refusal allegedly prompted the officials of Barangay Ermita to ask for an order from the mayor to compel them to vacate.

In a one-page notice issued by the barangay, the occupants were warned that the city’s demolition team will be compelled to act if they insist on occupying the place.

At present, students from Ermita are attending school in City Central Elementary School. — (FREEMAN)