Clearing of fire-stricken sitio interrupted

CEBU, Philippines – A scheduled clearing operation at the fire-stricken area in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City was not realized fully yesterday after Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos intervened.

Vice Mayor Edgar Labella said an exchange ensued between the city’s clearing team and the group of Delos Santos.   According to the team’s leader, Harold Alcontin, Delos Santos’ group “blocked” the operation. 

“At the outset, Harold Alcontin, the head of the clearing team, was prevented to pursue the clearing. Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos was there and other barangay officials. Alcontin asked for my assistance so I went there and proceeded to the area. I told the residents that it is for their own good because it is the policy of the city government never to dislocate you. At the same time, we have to insist re-blocking,” Labella told reporters.

Delos Santos denied “blocking” the operation.

“Just want to make a categorical statement I did not block the clearing but asked them to temporarily stop since some fire victims asked my assistance to have it stopped coz they did not accede to it. Tried to call Labella many times but to no avail. Text him twice but no response before I asked to temporarily stop the clearing. The city did not have the courtesy of coordinating with the barangay officials in doing the clearing contrary to what Labella claimed,” she said.

Agreement

Labella explained that a  worker at the barangay was present during the meeting he called with survivors and barangay officials last Sunday and that worker, Sammy Herron, agreed to the city’s plan to clear and re-block the area.

At least 89 houses and 860 residents (235 families) of Sitio Avocado in Lahug were affected by the fire last Saturday night.

“I told them that I am exercising my right as acting ma-yor. I ordered the immediate clearing so they yielded. I asked the assistance of police to avoid untoward incidents,” Labella said.

Yesterday, he reiterated the importance of the move to the affected residents. Delos Santos and acting barangay captain Hazel Ann Muaña were present this time.

He said he also told Delos Santos not to stop the clearing and re-blocking and the councilor reportedly agreed.

Delos Santos was former barangay captain of Lahug.

“Ni-agree na siya (Delos Santos) and niingon siya nako nga wala sila konsultaha ana, akong giingon nga I held a meeting with disaster team with everyone and all stakeholders and a representative of Barangay Lahug yielded to the plans of the city,” Labella said.

Residents’ Nod

Councilor David Tumulak, head of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, also said the affected residents understood the need to clear and re-block the area.

Tumulak said the incident should be muddled with politics.   He said the city will call for another meeting since the acting barangay captain of Lahug has to be apprised of the re-blocking scheme.

Muaña reportedly the residents are not in favor of the re-blocking because some of the fire victims may be displaced.

Tumulak explained re-blocking would open and establish road networks to provide adequate access in the event of an emergency like what happened last Saturday. When the fire struck Sitio Avocado, firefighters had a difficult time penetrating the area owing to its narrow passageways.

The barangay has already placed the area under a state of calamity so that funds can be utilized to help the victims. The City Council is yet to do the same. — /JMO (FREEMAN)