Houses of 70 families up for demolition today

CEBU, Philippines - About 70 poor families may be homeless today. Their houses, constructed in a private lot in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Carreta, are scheduled to be demolished this morning based on a court order.

Renato Abolencia and several of his neighbors were accompanied by Carreta Barangay Councilman Renato Mabuti Jr. to Cebu City Hall to seek the mayor’s help because the writ of demolition would take effect today.

“Nganong karon ra man sila nangayo’g tabang? (Why did they ask for help just now?)” asked Mayor Michael Rama, but still he ordered Division for the Welfare of Urban Poor (DWUP) head Collin Rosell to assist the concerned families.

Through their lawyers, the affected residents filed an urgent motion for extension of the implementation of the writ of demolition because they are still looking for a relocation site.

As of press time, they have yet to find out the action made by MTCC Judge Pamela Baring-Uy regarding the motion for extension filed by the affected residents.

The families living in the lot owned by George Gimenez admitted that they have no right to insist that their houses will not be demolished, but said they are just waiting for possible relocation.

The court demolition order did not require the owner of the lot to provide relocation site to the concerned families who stayed in the property for several years already without paying rent.  (FREEMAN)