City exec halts SPEED demolition in Sambag I

City administrator Francisco "Bimbo" Fernandez yesterday saved the day for at least 27 occupants along M.H. Aznar Road in Sitio Katangkungan, barangay Sambag I after he halted the demolition conducted by the Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division.

The SPEED personnel, headed by Frank Gajudo, arrived around 10:00 a.m. yesterday and started implementing the demolition order issued by Mayor Tomas Osmena against structures that encroached three meters into the sidewalk.

Fernandez called up Gajudo and asked to temporarily stop the demolition within 15 days, as he would have to talk with Mayor Tomas Osmeña on the matter.

The SPEED personnel were able to detach some galvanized irons of an eatery owned by the Guevarra family but had to stop following Fernandez's request.

"Ato lang paaboton kun unsay mahitabo sa ilang meeting with Mayor Osmena kay dili man sab basta-basta ang mga structures dinhi (kay) naa man say dagkong mga structures ug ubang mga establishments ang maigo sa demolisyon" Gajudo said.

The demolition order was issued on May 29 pursuant to Article 694 of the Civil Code of the Philippines and Section 3 of the Cebu City Ordinance No. 1481.

Sambag I Barangay officials, who were supervising the demolition, said the illegal structures along M. H. Aznar Road would be affected by the demolition.

Sambag I barangay kagawad Lamberto Castillo said they requested the demolition of those illegal structures following their plan to rehabilitate the drainage system in the area.

"Magsigi ta og aspalto dinhi dapita pero magsigi lang ni kaguba ang dalan tungod ang tubig dili na man moagi sa drainage kay ang ubang nilapas na man sa ilang structures" Castillo said.

"I hope next time madayon na g'yud (ang demolition) kay para ra man ni sa taga dinhi (aron) matarong ang ilang drainage." Castillo added. - Ramil V. Ayuman