50 Talamban families affected by demolition to get relocation

CEBU, Philippines – FIFTY families of the 120 residents of sitio Kalubihan, barangay Talamban whose houses were demolished last month will be accommodated in relocation sites in barangays Apas and San Jose, the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor said yesterday.

Nerio Melendres, chief of the DWUP land investigation section, made the assurance after members of the Mary Grace Neighborhood Association sought a dialogue with Vice Mayor Michael Rama yesterday.

The association proposed three options to the city – one, for the city government to buy a half a hectare property adjacent to the city proper or request the owner of the property they were previously occupying to extend their stay for two months to also give DWUP ample time to finalize the relocation sites.

Rama junked the first proposal, saying the city cannot “entertain” buying for now. He, however, assured he would find ways to get in touch with Ben K. Realty, the owner of the property where the residents used to squat.

Rama further assured the association that City Hall personnel Christopher Ong and Eddie Cabras whom the residents earlier accused of harassment are now under investigation. Rama said the city will not hesitate to drop the two from its rolls should they be found guilty.

The demolition last month turned violent after residents of sitio Kalubihan resisted the operation carried out by the city’s demolition team and the city police. – Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO (THE FREEMAN)