Warwick fire victims dismayed over clearing operations

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the approval of the resolution by the Cebu City Council extending the stay of the fire victims of Sitio Warwick Barracks, barangay Ermita at Block 27 at the North Reclamation Area for 90 days, the city government has started the clearing operations yesterday morning.

Emalyn Aliviano, spokesperson of Kilusan, a non-government organization helping the victims, said they are disappointed by the city’s move.

“Naa mi sa kadalanan karon. Giagi gyud nila sa pagpanghasi. Wala sila motuman sa kasabotan that we prepare for one month,” Aliviano said last night.

The city government provided four trucks to transport the fire victims to the basketball court of Barangay Budlaan which would serve as their temporary relocation site.

Aliviano said members of the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (Probe) team told them that they were just following the orders of City Mayor Michael Rama.

“Kaya ra nila talikdan ang mga pagka democratic sa atong nasod. Ang mayor ra man diay ang matuman. Dili man diay nila dunggon ang mga tawo. Ang sa hari ra nga desisyon,” she said.

Councilor Alvin Dizon, who heads the Committee on Housing, said it is sad to know that the executive branch of the government did not listen to the clamor of the victims.

“We have done our (city council) part. Pero wala man maminaw ang Office of the Mayor,” Dizon said.

For his part, Rama said their stay in the area is just temporary.

“Kinsa lagi’y mayor ang council o si Mayor Rama?” he said, when asked for his comment about the approved resolution extending their stay at the said area.

Because of what happened, Aliviano said that they don’t know if they can still trust the city government.

“Karon na entertain na hinuon namo ang idea nga dili nami mosandig sa government. We have an option nga mangita na lang gyud mi og among kaugalingong paagi. We might ask the help of the national government,” she said.

Based on an earlier report, the fire victims were given a 90-day extension to give them time to process the papers needed to acquire the lot in barangay Quiot. —/ATO (FREEMAN)