PROBE to clear Calamba cemetery of illegal settlers

CEBU, Philippines – In preparations for the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, more than 10 shanties and other illegal structures at the Calamba cemetery will be demolished today by Cebu City Prevention Restoration Order Beautification and Enhancement.

PROBE chief Raquel Arce said the clearing operation will be in response to the request of the San Nicolas Parish, which has jurisdiction over the cemetery.

Arce said their office has served notices to the illegal dwellers last week. The dwellers were given one week to relocate.

“Papahawaon ug pagawason gyod sila sa sementeryo as requested by the parish priest of San Nicolas in preparation sa kalag-kalag,” she said.

San Nicolas Parish had a coordinating meeting recently with Barangay Calamba officials, City Police Office, PROBE, and City Traffic Operations Management for the eviction of illegal dwellers.

According to Arce, the settlers were able to build shanties illegally inside the cemetery because a portion of the wall separating the cemetery from the residential area was damaged.

She said the city government will now consider the cemetery as “hotspot” for illegal dwellings.

“Atong i-sustain nga wala na’y illegal settlers sa Calamba and other cemeteries in the city,” she said.

Arce is also urging other parishes to take the initiative in requesting the city for the demolition of illegal structures inside the cemetery before the All Saints’ Day.

“We are ready and we are willing to help our parishes if they need us to clear illegal structures inside our cemeteries kay dili man na balay sa mga buhi,” she said. —/FPL (FREEMAN)