Councilor orders halt to Mahiga demolition

CEBU - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s order to demolish the more than 30 illegal structures at the bank of the Mahiga Creek behind the Cebu City slaughterhouse was cancelled upon the order of city administrator Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez.

“Wala g’yod ta’y mahimo kay unsaon nga duna may order nga dili ipahinayon ang gika-schedule na unta nga demolition,” said Squatter Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division head Vicente Mercado.

Mercado said his team was already prepared to comply with the demolition order of the mayor, but a few days before the scheduled demolition in the last week of September, Fernandez called him and told him to suspend the operation.

Fernandez reportedly explained to Mercado that Mabolo barangay captain Rey Ompoc requested him to set aside the impending demolition involving some of his constituents.

The area behind the so-called Cebu City modern abattoir is still part of barangay Mabolo.

“Politika lagi bay, kinahanglan lagi unta kita og political will. Kami andam mi kanunay nga motuman sa order basta wala la’y mobabag,” said Mercado, a retired police official.

Fernandez later told The FREEMAN he acceded to the barangay captain’s request pending further investigation if the area is indeed a danger zone.

Osmeña had already ordered the demolition of the more than 30 houses at the riverbank after its occupants ignored their advice to voluntarily vacate the place which is considered a danger zone during bad weather.

The City Planning and Development Office earlier recommended that the illegal structures along the Mahiga Creek be demolished to prevent possible incidents that may lead to casualties especially when floods come.

The illegal structures impede the normal and natural flow of water in the creek, contributing to floods. The Mahiga Creek is located on the political boundary of Cebu City and Mandaue City. — Rene U. Borromeo/BRP (THE FREEMAN)