Demolition of houses along Mahiga creek to push through

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday said demolition of illegal structures lining the Mahiga Creek in barangay Mabolo will push through next week once barangay captain Rey Ompoc returns from a conference.

The demolition was supposed to be implemented last Monday, but Ompoc requested to put the operation on hold while he is in Cagayan de Oro City attending a conference.

“Mihangyo man ang barangay kapitan nga dili usa idayon ang demolition kay makig-istorya pa kuno siya sa mga opisyal sa siyudad. Pero madayon g’yod na,” Osmeña said yesterday.

Vicente Mercado, head of the Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division, said SPEED is always prepared to comply with the order of the mayor.

Mercado said at least 30 houses constructed illegally along the Mahiga creek are scheduled to be demolished.

The houses are made of light materials and the city contended that allowing the squatters to continue living along the creek would be endangering them, especially during a heavy downpour.

The area is considered to be a “danger zone” but the occupants just ignored the advice for them to voluntarily vacate.

The illegal structures impede the normal flow of water in the creek, thereby becoming one of the main causes of flood.

The management of the nearby SM City mall has offered to pay the city P50 million in advance tax payment on condition that part of it would be spent to develop the Mahiga creek. — Rene U. Borromeo/JMO (THE FREEMAN)