Waiting game for Warwick fire victims

CEBU, Philippines - After the Cebu City Council asked Mayor Michael Rama to extend the stay of the fire victims of Sitio Warwick Barracks, Barangay Ermita in North Reclamation Area, he said he still has to discuss the matter with the people involved.

“Mag-meeting pa ko (with Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor and City Administrator Dr. Lucelle Mercado).They should not be forever (in the area). They should always be mindful that there will always be such a thing (moving out) to happen,” Rama said.

Last week, the victims who are currently staying at Block 27 in NRA, asked the city government to extend their stay until they acquire the lot in Talavera, Barangay Quiot for their relocation site with the help of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor .

Emalyn Aliviano, spokesperson of Kilusan, a non-government organization helping the fire victims said they received a notice from the city government that the stay of the victims ended last Tuesday.

However, at present they are still processing the papers to acquire the said lot since they do not like relocation site offered by the government in Barangay Budlaan because it is not accessible.  Despite the notice, victims are still staying at the NRA.

Aliviano, in a text message, said the mayor is also set to meet with the victims regarding the matter together with DWUP.

Mercado earlier said if they are waiting for the acquisition of lot in Barangay Quiot and they do not want to transfer in Baranagy Budlaan, the victims could first find a house they could rent.

“Mo-rent sila mintras tanto out of their income mintras maghuwat sila kay naa man kahay gi-provide ang PCUP. We might look strict but that’s the only way to implement. Dili forever pirmi lang mag-dole out,” she said.

DWUP head lawyer Collin Rossell suggested the victims could transfer to Budlaan first while processing the papers in getting the lot.

Councilor Alvin Dizon said the city government allotted P50 million for acquiring a lot which shall be used as are location site for the urban poor.

Earlier Rosell gave an option to the victims to find a lot that the city would buy for them. â€”/JMD (FREEMAN)