Demolition in Sesbreño lot continues

CEBU, Philippines - Tension was felt yesterday morning while the continuation of the demolition of houses in the property of the Sesbreño family in barangay Lawaan II, Talisay City was being carried out.

Insp. Hugo Rio Ipong however said no untoward incident took place as the court order was enforced.

The Cuizon family barricaded its house, contending it was not part of the more than 40 houses to be demolished as ordered by the Regional Trial Court Branch 18.

The Cuizon family also contended that there is still a pending case before the court in relation to the demolition.

The court versus the claimants or heirs of the original owners of the contested property favored lawyer Raul Sesbreño who said that the 7-hectare lot in Lawaan I and II already belongs to him after the original owners gave it to him as their payment for his being their legal council.

The court then ordered for the demolition of the more than 40 houses inside the property, which started last month but was temporarily stopped after Sesbreño’s wife Virginia and two others died in an ambush which was believed to be connected with the court order.

Ipong explained that although the court did not specify the Cuizons as among the affected families, it was clear in the order that “all structures inside Lot 1” in Lawaan II must be demolished.  (FREEMAN)