Apas barangay capt to sheriff: Don't show up

CEBU, Philippines - Officials of barangay Apas this city will deploy the full force of its tanods to secure the demolition site in sitio San Miguel, but barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman advised the sheriff not to show up in the area today.

He said that while he does not want to cause panic, he heard some reports that the sheriff’s security might be compromised if he pursues serving the demolition order to 168 families whose houses were ordered demolished by the court.

“Ako lang hangyo sa Sheriff na dili ipugos ang pag-serve sa demolition order because the barangay cannot guarantee the Sheriff’s and the demolition team’s safety. Wala baya ta kabalo unsa ang dagan sa utok sa mga tawo. Ikaw ba’y hikawan, naa gyud ka’y tendency na magrebelde,” Ayuman said. (The barangay could not assure the safety of the sheriff and the demolition team.)

He said he is also worried how today will turn out so he has requested the police not to miss doing rounds in the barangay.

“Nabalaka gyud ko. Ang sitwasyon karon didto sa area, hilom kaayo. Pero kuyaw baya ang hilom. Lawom kaayo na sya,” Ayuman said. (I am worried. It is too quiet out there. It seems the silence is threatening.)

He said that he has no reason to ignore his hunch on this after the reported threats received by the sheriff.

Ayuman said some of the affected residents were retired army while some are still active in the service.

Following the threat, The FREEMAN learned that Sheriff El Cid Caballes and the demolition team have requested the Regional Police Office for police assistance today for their security.

The court has given the residents until today to vacate lot 937 they are occupying but is being claimed by a certain Mariano Godinez.

The demolition was supposed to be implemented last April 16 but the motions filed by the residents and the Cebu City Government were able to hold off the demolition for three weeks.

 The court is yet to resolve the motion filed by the city government asking for a six month-extension.

Ayuman appealed to court sheriff El Cid Caballes to postpone the demolition since there is a pending motion at the court while the Office of the Solicitor General is expected to file its urgent motion to stay execution of writ of demolition today.

The Solicitor General expressed intention to intervene in the case of the residents and is asking a month to prepare the presentation of ‘newly discovered’ evidences.

The barangay has distributed 10 fire extinguishers to the affected residents in case of fire. The barangay also distributed hand-held radios for emergencies.

The Archangel Residents Mergence Inc. Secretary Anne Jareiyn Martel said that they will just form human barricades and will post streamers.

“We will remain vigilant. Magbarikada gihapon in the hope na madala’g sulbad and tension through peaceful communication,” Martel said.

Martel also clarified that the city government urban poor office’s observation that residents are not being very cooperative is wrong.

Martel said that the city must be able to recall how many times they have asked for intervention because the residents recognize the city’s power and capacity to help them in their case.

“What we have sa pagsugod sa kaso is a faithful counsel by the name of Atty. Benjamin Militar. He is with us fighting for our cause to ask for due process and not to vacate. What we need from the city is their help in the enforcement of the city ordinance on socialized housing, lot 937 unpaid taxes since 1940 and for protection against demolition,” she added.

Martel said that they believe that the city can help them to acquire their lots which have already been paid by the residents.

The urban poor office of the city has observed that the residents are not being very cooperative because they are not closely working with the city for the case.

Ayuman also told the residents to focus on their goal and not to let politicians use them for political gains.  (FREEMAN)