Mandaue knocks down 12 structures on gov't lot

CEBU, Philippines - Twelve business establishments that had been standing on a lot owned by the Mandaue City government in barangay Looc were demolished yesterday morning.

The demolition was carried out a week after the city government issued a closure order.

City Legal Officer Giovanni Tianero said the establishments – barbershops, convenience stores, insurance firms – were sent a notice of closure last year yet but refused to heed the order to stop from conducting business.

He said the city just wants to reclaim its property.

Only a certain Richard Ouano objected to the demolition on the ground that he neither received a notice for closure nor a demolition order.

Nevertheless, the demolition team proceeded with the work on hand.