Tumulak: Relocate Buhisan residents

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council’s committee on disaster risk reduction management and climate change adaptation is recommending that the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) look for a relocation site for the over 300 individuals in Sitio Sandayong, Barangay Buhisan as pre-emptive evacuation due to the tension cracks found in the area.

Recently, Buhisan Barangay Captain Gremar Barete received reports from his constituents that cracks caused by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013 are already evident.

Councilor David Tumulak, who heads the committee, told reporters that he came up with such idea after he sees the need to do so in order not to cause further damage.

He said the recent landslide incident in the City of Naga is an eye-opener to all, saying the concerned offices should be prepared in any disaster.

At present, Tumulak said CCDRRMO Head Nagiel Bañacia is already informed about the matter.

“Naghatag ta og recommendation ngadto kang Nagiel Bañacia pagpangita og relocation site diin duna ta’y igong pundo sa disaster fund pagpalit og property,” Tumulak said.

He said under Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 provide that the city government is allowed to utilize its disaster funds for the relocation site of affected individuals.

Tumulak commented why the barangay, the city government and other concerned offices failed to implement the recommendation of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7 for an immediate evacuation of affected households in 2013.

“Kinahanglan man gud na siya og gikan mismo sa barangay kay ang frontline sila man. Ang pag-estorya, pagpasabot ang barangay ana, ang disaster and MGB-7 mo-support lang sa ilahang buhaton. If makita ang immediate threat gamiton na ang police power sa executive department,” he said.

Last December 27, 2013, the MGB-7 has advised evacuation of residents after conducting a geo-hazard assessment.

Tumulak said the residents should understand the current situation of the area that is why the city government, with the help of other offices, is doing its best to ensure their safety.

Earlier, Barete said the residents were reportedly uncooperative.

That is why he asked the intervention of other offices such as Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO), CCDRRMO and MGB-7.

“Angay sad sabton sa mga taw nga eye-opener nato ang nahitabo sa Naga, dili ta gusto nga masubli pa nga naa’y kinabuhi nga makalasug duna’y kabtangan nga mawala. Dili ta mopaabot nga naa’y moabot nga katalagman,” Tumulak said.

In a separate interview, Barete told The FREEMAN that MGB-7 will reassess the identified affected area to come up with a recent recommendation.

He said the CCDRRMO held an inspection in the area last Saturday and they are expected to submit report before MGB-7 for revalidation of findings.

“Naa sila’y nakita nga one meter nga crack dayon naa’y slight landslide tungod sa direct exposure sa uwan. Gitan-aw pud nila nga naa’y daghang kahoy, duol vegetation ang area pud. Mohimo sila og report ilahang iendorse sa MGB, dayon ang MGB moreassess sa ilahang report,” Barete said.

As far as relocation site is concerned, the barangay has identified an area situated in Sitio Dulhugan.  Barete said there is an ongoing negotiation between the lot owner and the barangay officials.

However, as of writing, aside from the relocation site, Barete could not yet mention the other assistance they need from the city since MGB-7 has yet to conduct reassessment in the area. (FREEMAN)