Squatters staying put after demolition

CEBU, Philippines - The families in sitio St. Joseph, barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, whose houses were demolished Thursday, have not moved out yet.Most of them are just laborers and could hardly afford to rent a room or much less a house.

In short, they have no place to go.

The Philippine Estate Corporation that owns the lot had told them to leave because the fencing of the property has already begun.

Give us a week to find a place, they pleaded.

Security guards have been deployed to the area to protect laborers who are working on the fence.

Chona Abao, 38, a member of Nagkahiusang mga Kabus sa Marigondon (Nakasma) said, she will have to find a place near the area.

Her mother-in-law is too weak to travel far, could hardly see, and wants to stay in the same location.

She said they have been left to their own devices, with barangay or city officials having offered no help.

Last Thursday, around 22 houses in sitio St. Joseph in barangay Marigondon were demolished as ordered by the court.

No one was reported injured.