More Apas residents facing eviction

CEBU, Philippines – Close to 200 residents of sitio Baca, Barangay Apas, who are presently facing eviction have asked the Cebu City government to intercede on their behalf.

The residents sought the assistance of Apas officials and Mayor Michael Rama after the Supreme Court 2nd Division decided in favor of the Tudtud family over the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority for the recovery of the property.

The property is supposed to be used as an airport but it was never developed, this prompted the Tudtud family to reclaim Lot 988.

The case was decided with finality last March 2009.

Apas barangay councilman Allan Jose Majait said the owners already sent a notice to the residents demanding that they voluntarily vacate the premises.

 In Barangay Council Resolution No. 35-10, the council sought the help of Rama to provide legal assistance to the residents of Lot 988.

Rama assured that the city government will do everything it can in its legal power to protect the residents.

“Wherever we can be of assistance, we will provide,” Rama said.

Two weeks ago, the Apas barangay officials also went to Rama for assistance for the members of the Four Roses Neighborhood Association in sitio San Miguel who are facing eviction from the property they have been occupying for 50 years. 

The lot that the residents are using is being claimed by Mariano Godinez after the national government failed to pay for it.

One of the possible interventions they are contemplating at the City Attorney's Office is asking the court for a six-month extension. This way, the 168 affected residents will have time to voluntarily vacate the area and find a place to transfer.

Apas barangay captain Ramil Ayuman said the residents are builders in good faith because they had permission from the national government when they built their houses there more than 50 years ago.

Lot 937 was supposedly an expropriated property but the government was able to give only a deposit and the owners filed a case to recover it. The lot was reportedly identified as a socialized housing site under Resolution 99-4771 of the Cebu City Council on June 30, 1999. (FREEMAN)