DWUP: Apas residents uncooperative

CEBU, Philippines - The Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor is yet to submit tomorrow a reply to the opposition filed by the counsel of Mariano Go-dinez against their motion for reconsideration, but whether the demolition will push through or not now depends on the instruction of the court.

DWUP Chief and lawyer Collin Rosell said that the city government will continue to strive to hold off the demolition, but lamented that the residents do not seem to be cooperating.

Rosell said that no member of the Archangels Residents Mergence Inc. (ARMI) is closely working with the city to provide them with what they need that might help in the case. He said he required some documents from the group that are still not submitted.

The ARMI has also not given the city the authority to intervene, Rosell said.

Prior to April 16, the supposed demolition, the residents asked again the mayor’s help to get six-month extension. An extension was granted, but not for six months. It brought the residents and the city three weeks time only to think of the next step to prevent the residents from being evicted.

But since then, Rosell said, they never heard from the residents while the motion they filed seeking for a six-month extension is ongoing and is yet to be resolved by the court.  The three-week extension given to the residents expires tomorrow.

“We need their full and utmost cooperation,” Rosell said.

Anne Jareiyn Martel, ARMI secretary, said that they have asked the city several times for intervention.

“We have enough letters to our beloved mayor requesting for intervention. Regarding sa cooperation, muadto man mi kung ipatawag mi or if there is a meeting set. It never occurred in our mind na dili mi mu-cooperate nila,” she said.

“We welcome any official who is willing to help because we know that they are in the position to give the kind of help we need,” she added.

Martel said that what they need from the city is the help in the enforcement of the ordinance declaring the area as a socialized housing site. She said they seek the protection of the city against demolition so it is not true that they do not welcome the city’s help.

The residents are determined to fight until they are safe from being evicted.

Last Thursday, the residents were at the Vice Mayor’s Office with South District Representative Tomas Osmeña and Committee on Housing Chairman Councilor Alvin Dizon where the intervention of the Office of the Solicitor General was announced.

But the supposed urgent motion to stay execution of writ of demolition signed by the Solicitor General was not received by the court last Friday although it was served to Godinez’ counsel and to the residents.

No one from the OSG also showed up in court. The hearing did not take place so the demolition tomorrow stands.

Rosell said that the priority right now to seek extension, then later, the city will explore ways to prevent the residents from being ejected from the lot. — (FREEMAN)