Three port streets now accessible

CEBU, Philippines - Private vehicles can now pass three streets near the coastal road after concrete and metal fences were torn down last Friday by the city government.

After being closed off by the Cebu Port Authority with concrete and metal fences, F. Burgos, Lapu-Lapu and F. Gonzales streets are now accessible to motorists after the demolition order was given by mayor Michael Rama.

But the port guard told The Freeman that the directive to them was never to allow parking in the area claimed by the CPA to be within its jurisdiction. The city government has the same claim.

“Ang order lang gyud sa among boss nga dili gyud pwede ang parking. Pwede ra muagi but dili ka-parking,” security guard Jose Garry Garing said.

He added that while on duty, he reprimanded a government vehicle that attempted to park.

“Medyo nakiglalis siya pero milakaw ra pud. Ako man sad makasab-an kung pasagdan nako sila mo-park,” he added.

The demolition was executed by City Hall’s Prevention Restoration Order Beautification and Enhancement team led by Raquel Arce and assisted by Waterfront Police Station chief Wildemar Tiu and his men.

The area was earlier fenced in by the CPA which asserted ownership over the reclaimed area near the Compania Maritima. This was contested by the city government, which, aside from ownership concerns also reiterated that there was no fencing permit secured from City Hall.  (FREEMAN)