Raps files vs. eatery owner over demolition

CEBU, Philippines - The Carbon police yesterday filed criminal complaints against the owner of an eatery inside the sports complex of Barangay Pahina Central, Cebu City, due to their alleged resistance to vacate the place despite an order.

Along with Raquel Arce, who heads the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement team, SPO2 Rene Sultan of Station 5 filed alarm and scandal, slander, grave coercion and resistance and disobedience against Editha Inso, her husband Benigno, her sister Eva Mabini and helper Fe Mariboto.

During inquest proceedings the respondents waived their right to undergo preliminary investigation. They chose to answer the charges in court.

Last Monday, the members of the PROBE, with the assistance of the police, served the clearing order of Mayor Michael Rama to the respondents, but the latter resisted, resulting in a scuffle.

Based on reports, the camp of Editha challenged the PROBE team by throwing bottles at them. They were arrested by the police after the incident.

Arce said the enforcement of the clearing order was supposed to be last April, but since the national elections was approaching she deferred the implementation to avoid issues of politics as Pahina Central was a bailiwick of former congressman Tomas Osmeña.

Before, Arce said the management of the Cebu City Medical Center asked them to to clear the sports complex as they were to open an animal bite center clinic just beside the complex.

Editha told the media that they were willing to vacate the place if the order came from their barangay captain. She said it was their captain who allowed them to have an eatery inside the complex.

During the enforcement of the order, she said her husband was dragged away by the demolition team. Aside from that, she said her sister was allegedly tortured.

“We are neither pig nor dog. We are here because of livelihood,” she said.

Editha further said they will be filing counter-charges against the demolition team. –(FREEMAN)