CEBU, Philippines - Barangay Apas residents who are worried of the security of their abode have not filed in court the nullification of the recently forged Memorandum of Agreement returning the Central Command lot back to the Provincial Capitol.
Apas councilman Alan Majait said that they are still finalizing their moves and will furnish Alliance of Barangay Apas Community Association (Abaca) lawyer Ben Military the resolution authorizing Apas barangay captain Ramil Ayuman to file legal action.
The nullification of the MOA through judicial proceedings is one of the best ways the more than 5,000 residents of seven affected sitios in Apas will be assured of non-displacement.
On the eve of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s 54th birthday, at least 200 barangay officials and residents of Apas held a prayer vigil in front of Centcom in protest of the impending signing of the MOA which realized the day after. The group sang a birthday song while holding a chocolate cake they intend to give to the governor. Cebu City Mayor-on-leave Tomas Osmeña paid a short visit during the affair and pledged not to leave them alone.
Osmeña, just like his concern over the affected residents of province-owned 93-1 lots, is very much against demolition and displacement.
He said there is a Presidential Proclamation which is not being enforced declaring the area as socialized housing sites.
An ordinance in the City Council was also passed prohibiting private development in these housing sites.
Majait said that although the governor assured them of no displacement but representatives from Capitol were already there taking measures of boundaries.
Some of the residents were even showed to a relocation site in Minglanilla. — Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV (FREEMAN NEWS)