Tejero captain defies notice of demolition

CEBU, Philippines - Fifty-eight residents living along a stretch of Uldarico Alviola St. in Barangay Tejero were served a notice of demolition by the Squatter Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division last Friday, but Tejero Barangay Captain Jessielou Cadungog said no consultation has been made with the residents.

“This will serve as your warning/notice to voluntarily demolish or remove your illegal structures located at U. Alviola Street, Barangay Tejero,” read the order signed by SPEED head Noel Artes.

Accordingly, the demolition order was issued for the road restoration project in the area.

After receiving the notice of demolition, Cadungog immediately called for an emergency meeting with all affected families in the OPASCOR building.

Cadungog criticized Mayor Michael Rama’s move in issuing a demolition order against them saying that there was no consultation conducted.

“Ayaw mo pangunay og guba sa inyong balay kay wala’y nahitabong consultations namong mga opisyales sa wala pa ni nila gi-issue ang notice of demolition. Tan-awon nato kung human sa 10 ka adlaw nga ilang bang dayonon ang demolition,” Cadungog said.

Cadungog’s house, the old barangay hall and the barangay health center are among the structures to be included in the demolition.

Rama, who is in China on official business, wanted U. Alviola St. widened to its ideal 10-meter width and connected to Sampaguita St.

Alviola St., the community’s main access road, ends in a cul-de-sac.

One of the affected residents, Leto Tecson, said that when the SPEED personnel went to their respective houses, they only handed over the notice without explaining it to them.

“Ila ra mang gilipat-lipat ang mga taw unya ila dayong gipapirma,” Tecson said. 

During the meeting, the residents and officials of barangays said they are not against the widening of the road, but widening it to 10 meters will affect many families.

Cadungog also said that demolition is not appropriate at this time as the residents were only given a 10-day grace period after receiving the notice. He said the city should also provide them a decent relocation site.

“There should be dialogue and discussion between and among the residents and city officials to avoid problems and issues that may crop up along the way,” Cadungog said.

A paper has been circulating in the barangay calling on Rama to conduct consultations and dialogues with the affected residents and officials to ensure that issues and concerns will be taken into considerations before the implementation of the road restoration project. (FREEMAN)