Tree cutting destroys two homes in Opao

CEBU, Philippines- Two houses were damaged after a "buri" or palm tree that was being cut-off fell Sunday evening in Sitio Gumamela, Barangay Opao, Mandaue City.

Jocelyn Sanchez, owner of the two houses, personally reported the incident to the Opao Police Station that evening. She is the owner of the two houses, one of which was made of semi-concrete materials while the other one was made of light materials.

Police Officer 1 Melvin Pelayo said during investigation they learned that the said tree was owned by the victim's neighbor Josep Pueblas.

Pueblas hired a person to cut the palm tree down which accidentally fell on Sanchez's two structures. No one was hurt from the incident.

Pelayo said although the issue on the damage of properties has to be settled, the action taken was to refer the settlement of the case in the barangay.

However, it was learned from Grace Buansit, worker at the Opao Barangay Hall, that no settlement agreement has been entered by the parties yet.

It was further reported that cutting was made allegedly upon the decision of people living in the area, including Sanchez. Those who favored the cutting feared the tree might be uprooted and cause damage if a storm hits the area.

The FREEMAN learned that the residents failed to secure a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the tree's cutting.

As of press time yesterday, the cut palm tree was still lying in the property of Sanchez as there was no available chainsaw operator in the barangay.