Lesson of apas demolition: Ayuman: Govt must solve illegal squatting problem

CEBU, Philippines - With the fate of several of his constituents known tomorrow, Apas Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman said the government must already address illegal squatting, which is the result of the lack of residential spaces.

He said the problem has been there for decades already the government should have prioritized housing and providing a place for residents to build their homes.

“Naay Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) and housing agencies na mo-adress, but wa ju’y political will ang gobyerno. Hangtod karon di gihapon sila magkatakdo sa ilang (The government has no political will. The different agencies still have not reconciled their respective) direction,” said Ayuman.

He hoped that with the impending continuation of the demolition in Apas and in other parts of the country, the national government and other concerned agencies can already address the problem.

“Kay para sad maundang na ang mga issues sa kakulang sa pamuyo sa mga tawo and (To also settle the lack of residential spaces and solve the issue on) ma-address ang mga professional squatters. Ni-exist ni sila kay wa man gyuy klarong (They exist due to unclear) guidelines,” Ayuman further said.

He said the problem on illegal squatting involves many parts of Sitio San Miguel, with some of the lots currently being contested by the residents in court.

Ayuman said Apas has its own housing committee, which applied for a local housing mortgage where it serves as facilitator in getting budget from the government.

“Barangay Apas Housing Committee, naa ta ana, pero (but) at the national level unta klarohon unta nila kay pirme sa ubos ang maigo (it must be sorted out there already because it is always the people who suffer),” the barangay captain lamented.

Right now, with the court’s decision to be known tomorrow, Ayuman said the fate of his constituents is still uncertain.

The Cebu City Government has also not yet provided relocation sites to 157 affected families of the Sitio San Miguel, Apas demolition.

With the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) and offices of the Cebu City Hall already helping in the problem, Ayuman hoped the city government would continue to intervene and protect the informal settlers’ rights.

Tomorrow, Regional Trial Court Branch 9 Judge Alexander Acosta would resolve the partial motion for reconsideration sought by the affected residents. The opposing parties were already directed to submit their respective memorandum.

Demolition of homes built on contested Lots 942 and 947 started last Tuesday, but its implementation has been on and off because of alleged irregularities until the court ordered it temporarily stopped last Thursday.

It was learned that the wrecking crew included a minor, there was improper identification of the demolition team members, and one of them was even caught stealing from one of the destroyed homes.

Eight house has been torn down before the court ordered a halt Thursday.— /RHM (FREEMAN)