35 Mahiga Creek settlers protest vs demolition team

CEBU, Philippines - At least 35 urban poor families along the Mahiga Creek are complaining against the demolition team of the Cebu City Hall for allegedly trying to demolish their houses even those that are already situated beyond the 2.5-meter easement zone.

The officials and members of Sitio San Isidro II Homeowners Association led by Gemma Rosaceña yesterday turned to the media hoping to get some help after they were allegedly snubbed by Mayor Michael Rama when they went to City Hall last week.

Rosaceña said they will not resist to demolition provided that the City Hall clearing team will only remove portion of their houses that are situated within the 2.5-meter radius from the creek.

According to her, Rama told them during a meeting last April 24 that only the structures situated within the easement zone will be demolished.

However, Alvin Santillana, executive officer of the city disaster council, told them last week that the City Hall demolition team will remove everything constructed beside the creek.

“Grabeha g’yud niya ka estrikto kay bisan mihangyo na kami nga binlan ra mi og gamay’ng kapuy-an dili g’yud siya mosugot kay hutdon g’yud niya’g guba. Maayo na lang kay nag-uwan-uwan man wala sila modayon og pagpangguba,” Rosaceña said.

The affected families tried to see Rama but they were only met by one of his consultants. “Giingnan ra man mi nga dili g’yod kuno mosugot ang mayor sa among hangyo. Makigpatay g’yud mi ani,” Rosaceña added.

Their houses are just part of the 141 structures that are scheduled to be cleared by the Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division (SPEED).

Rama earlier announced that those will be affected of the clearing operation will be relocated to the city-owned lots in Barangay Budlaan. But, Rosaceña said they will not accept the relocation.

“Mag-unsa man intawon mi didto uy nga wala man mi’y panginabuhian didto. Sila maoy angay mopuyo didto kay duna man sila’y mga sakyanan,” she said.

She said most of the affected families are engaged in selling food because their place is just near the city abattoir.

Rama ordered the clearing of creeks, particularly the Mahiga after it overflowed several months ago causing floods in several parts of the North Reclamation Area. —/FPL (FREEMAN)