Six houses demolished in Sawsawan

CEBU, Philippines - At least six houses squatting on a private lot in sitio Sawsawan, San Roque, Talisay City were demolished yesterday.

PO3 Benedito Lasque of Talisay City Police Station, who was among those sent to Sawsawan to secure the demolition, said the demolition went on smoothly.

There were 36 houses allegedly squatting illegally in that portion of San Roque, but Lasque said most of the houses were already dismantled before the demolition team arrived yesterday.

He said the residents were already informed early on so that they could vacate the area before a representative of the owner, reportedly from the Ngo Siok family who owns a noodle factory in barangay Cansojong of the same city, would send a demolition team to clear the area.

The property was formerly owned by one Gloria Abarquez, who then sold it to the Ngo Siok.

But Renato Borces, 36, yesterday demanded that they be shown a court order, proof that the demolition was legal.

Borces, whose house was among those torn down, said they only were told about an order from the court but the document was not shown to them.

Borces said it was unfair they were driven away without being shown the written order.

Borces claimed his family has been living in the area for the last 50 years.

But Lasque attested that Sheriff Michaelson Galica was armed with a court order issued by the Municipal Trial Court in Cities of Talisay City when he came to the site.   (FREEMAN NEWS)