14 stores demolished in Brgy Lahug

CEBU, Philippines — Fourteen stores, some being used as makeshift houses, were torn down yesterday after the court issued a demolition order citing encroachment of sidewalk along Gorordo Avenue in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

"We are just restoring the 5 meters sidewalk. Under ni sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways). We are talking here 14 illegal structures along the stretch of Gorordo Avenue," said Racquel Arce, head of Cebu City Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement (PROBE).

Owners of a stretch of stores in Block 2, Sitio San Roque, Barangay Lahug voluntarily stripped their stores and makeshift homes moments before personnel of PROBE arrived, to salvage what they can.

The 14 stores belonged to members of Sitio Kawayanan Organization and Homeowner's Association led by Gregorio Rabac, 62.

"The same alegasyon nga encroaching the sidewalk, mo-volunteer mi guba aron magamit ang uban materyales," Rabac said.

Rabac owned and operated one of the stores demolished. His store, which he also occupies as his home, has been in the same spot for 23 years prior to the demolition.

Rabac said he received the demolition order last July 2017, and has sought assistance from city councilors for proper relocation or financial assistance, since the demolition would cripple their source of income.

He also said that there should have been a proper dialogue before the demolition was conducted.

Rabac has been operating his store in the same spot for over 23 years.

Arce said that the demolition is long overdue, and blamed Rabac for not voluntarily vacating the spot earlier to look for other means, knowing he is the president of the said association.

"The order was July pa. Kung sakto unta mo nga motabang sa inyong mga membro, July up to this time, di ta moabot og ingun ani," Arce said.

She also said the final notice came three days before the scheduled demolition yesterday.

She added that business owners are exempted from relocation assistance and that they would have to properly comply with requirements for business permits as well. (FREEMAN)