CEBU, Philippines - The demolition of houses in Sitio Mabuhay, Barangay Luz, yesterday proceeded without any untoward incident but forced almost 20 families to stay along Cardinal Rosales Ave. and Cabantan Road due to the absence of a temporary holding area for them.
The absence of a holding area for the affected residents dismayed Regional Trial Court Branch 11 Judge Ramon Daomilas who visited them to check on the demolition.
Daomilas was disappointed that the barangay failed to provide an area where the residents can temporarily stay while they are preparing their relocation.
“Di na mao,” Daomilas told personnel of the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor who reported to him about the alleged non-cooperation of the barangay.
Daomilas, in his decision, had ordered the demolition in the most “humane” way possible.
Daomilas then proceeded to the barangay hall to talk with Luz barangay captain Rian Tante who reportedly admitted they did not prepare a holding area.
DWUP Chief Collin Rosell also tried in vain to negotiate with Tante to provide an open space within the barangay to be used as a holding area.
“Nganung gisugdan man ang demolition nga wala man diay facility para sa mga tawo? Ang sabot man unta ani is hinay-hinayon lang aron naa pa’y magamit na CR ang mga tawo samtang nangguba ug nagpreparar sila sa pagbalhin,” Rosell said.
Rosell was also disappointed that the demolition team rushed to demolish the structures leaving almost nothing for the residents to salvage.
Nine houses were demolished yesterday, another six houses are scheduled to be demolished in Sitio Nangka today. After that the demolition team will proceed with the demolition of 16 houses in Sitio Lubi.
Some families have voluntarily torn down their homes ahead of the demolition team.
As of last night, they have not found a space to serve as the residents’ holding area. For the meantime, they set up the tents along the road.
The residents requested that they be allowed to stay in the site while they are preparing for relocation.
Jimmy de Leon, 42, was teary-eyed while dismantling their small dwelling. He lived there with his father, Antonio, and his siblings. He said they still do not know where to go after this.
“Maghuwat lang gyud mi asa mi i-relocate sa syudad,” Jimmy said.
Portable toilets were also provided. Yesterday, the Department of Social Welfare Services started providing packed meals and will carry on for three days. Rosell said water supply was also provided.
Mayor Michael Rama has instructed to treat the affected residents like fire victims who need all the assistance the city can afford.
Rama also promised to provide P10,000 cash assistance to the qualified families. The distribution of cash assistance will be facilitated by the DSWS.
Rama said the P10,000 cash assistance must be released not later than one week from yesterday. —/BRP (FREEMAN)