Tejero residents volunteer to wreck houses ahead of PROBE demolition

CEBU, Philippines - About 40 families in Barangay Tejero have voluntarily dismantled their houses over the weekend after receiving notice of demolition from the city government.

Members of the Cebu City’s Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) team are set to implement the demolition order today.

The clearing and removal of the structures is in line with the city’s “Road Restoration Project” to connect Barangay Tejero and Carreta that were recently hit by fire.

The Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor requested for the clearing operation pursuant to Article 694 of  the Civil Code (Nuisance), City Ordinance 1481, and Republic Acts (RA) 1273 and 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act.

Councilman Garry Lao of Tejero said that the affected residents personally asked the barangay officials to allow them to voluntarily demolish their houses. The request was conveyed to the OIC city administrator, Dr. Lucelle Mercado, who also granted the request.

“Pag-Sabado nagsugod na sila (homeowners) og guba sa mga balay. Ni-ask gyud sila nga sila ang moguba kay nakita nila unsa ka-harsh ang pagguba sa demolition team recently, unless mohangyo sila og assistance sa demolition team ugma (today) nga i-clear ang ilang areas nga dili nila kaya gub-on,” Lao said.

DWUP chief Raquel Arce said that the road restoration of the new Alviola Street (near the health center) all the way to the Carreta boundary exits was supposed to be completed last year. But it was delayed because of the opposition of some residents.

The residents objected to the original proposal to widen the roads by 10 meters. The city government, however, reduced it to seven meters because of the opposition.

At least 39 households will be affected by the road restoration.

“I know dili easy mangguba og balay ilabi na gipuy-an na sa dugay nga panahon, kadaghan sa mga i-demolish nagpuyo na diha over 30 years already,” Lao said.

“Nobody is above the law. We have to abide and follow the law kay i-develop man sa syudad let’s embrace the fact for the betterment of all,” Lao told the affected residents.

Barangay Captain Jessielou Cadungog raised no objection on the road project saying all their demands were answered by the city government like the relocation site.

The affected families will be relocated to Tabarno Property in Upper La Guerta, Barangay Lahug. They will also receive financial assistance from the city government.  —/FPL (FREEMAN)