Demolition leaves 117 families homeless

CEBU, Philippines - Some 117 families in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Carreta, Cebu City were displaced yesterday following the reimplementation of the demolition order issued by the Municipal Trial Court in Cities last Feb. 23.

The resumption of the demolition yesterday resulted to a standoff between the affected residents and members of the Special Weapons and Tactics and Mabolo policemen, whom MTCC Deputy Sheriff Edilberto Suarin requested to maintain peace and order during the clearing operation.

The demolition was carried out by Suarin, the same sheriff who implemented the writ of demolition in Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Apas that affected at least 157 households last March.

The writ of demolition dated Feb. 23, 2013 was issued by MTCC Judge Pamela Baring-Uy, the same issuing judge in the Apas’ demolition.

Tension arose after residents barred the demolition team from destroying their houses on J.C. De Vera St.

Despite the disruptions, the demolition still pushed through. Suarin said demolition team would resume today with small structures to be removed first.

Despite losing their homes, the families refused to receive the P5,000 disturbance fee set aside for each of them.  Mary Liza Manatad said they need a relocation site and not the amount.

“Dili mi mamalhin! Asa man mi papuy-on aber? Unsaon man intawon namo ang P5,000? Wa mi kauyon sa ilang gibuhat, walay mga batasan, gihadlok pa mi nga dakpon (We are not moving.  Where would we stay? What would we do with the P5,000?  We did not like what they did; they have no manners; they even threatened to arrest us),” Manatad ranted.

She said they would not leave the area until a relocation site would be provided to them by the private owner.

“Dili gyod mi mamalhin. Hangyo namo nga di usa mi papahawaon samtang wala pay relocation site nga ihatag namo (We are appealing that we would be allowed to stay while there is no relocation site for us yet),” she said.

The ejectment case against the residents was filed by one George Gimenez, who was represented by Rene Anthony Chaves, who claimed ownership to the 850-square-meter lot. (FREEMAN)