Residents affected of city's demolition ops get "direct" answers from council

CEBU, Philippines — Following the implementation of the clearing operations of the Cebu City government, particularly in Barangay Carreta and along the North Reclamation Area, affected residents got frank answers from the body on their relocation options emphasizing the struggle to look for lots that are affordable for them.

Yesterday, the Cebu City Council conducted an executive session to hear the grievances of the affected residents on the clearing operations around the North Reclamation Area (NRA) and in Barangay Carreta, who expressed their request for a relocation site.

But the discussion on relocation sites turned a bit on the edge, where at one point, Councilor Augustus Joy Young, had to point out how they had to be frank to the residents.

“Prangkahanay lang ta kay aron di kaayo taas inyong expectation,” said Young, as the residents said they hope to have a relocation site that is not in the mountainous part of the city.

Rosanna Siglos from 3rd Avenue Barangay Carreta first stood before the council to narrate what happened when her house was demolished last August 12, 2024.

Siglos said it all began when they received a letter from the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) informing them of the said operation a month before, which they immediately filed a letter of petition.

During the operation, they were informed that their area was among those affected by the clearing. She added that during that time, they were informed that the gutter where the house stood was the only affected area that needed to be cleared.

However, a day later, the authorities came to their area anew and told them that instead of clearing the area, there would be a demolition instead.

“Mao to nga niingon ko nga asa man diay mi ninyo ibutang sir nga gubaon man diay ninyo among balay,” she asked the representatives of the government.

She clarified that they weren’t given a demolition notice, but only of the clearing.

“Mao tung pagka Lunes lagi, mao natong time-ma nga giguba na, mao nato nga grabe na among kahadlok, kakuyaw kay atong time-ma,” Siglos told the council.

However, during the discussion, Councilor Young explained that Siglos’ house was standing and occupying the whole sidewalk as indicated in a picture shown before the council.

Young further explained that it was only fitting that her house be cleared as it was already considered “illegal” thus the government was only implementing their job.

Siglos, however, said that when they were told to clear a portion of the house to clear out the “gutter” they immediately executed it.

She said that their house was built during the time of a certain “Barangay Captain Lauron”.

“Siya gyud gabutang namo dira,” she said referring to Lauron.

She added that unlike the paved and cemented road today, the area near her house was not that developed when their house was built.

But Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, Majority Floor Leader, explained that when works on the North Reclamation began, the roadways were already identified.

“Maybe siguro imong pasabot, nga wala pa ma semento ang dalan,” said Pesquera.

Pesquera further reminded Siglos that before building a structure, it must be assessed first if the area is

lawfully compatible to be built with.

“Kanang naa ka sa dala ug naa ka sa sidewalk, automatic gyud na sya nga gitawag og public nuisance,” said Pesquera.

She further said anyone or an official who gave consent to construct a structure that isn’t supposed to be must be held liable.

Siglos, who has been living and occupying the said area for 14 years, further said that they didn’t have a document that proves that Lauron gave them consent to build their house in the area.

She added that when their house was demolished, they rebuilt the structure. She also claims that they will not be resisting should a total demolition be enacted however added that they are seeking a chance for a relocation site.

Pesquera then noted that it is a national policy that a building permit must be obtained first before any structure is built.

Siglos, on the other hand, admitted that they are not ready to vacate the area hence they do not have an option to transfer.

Lorena Rosal Alquisola, president of the Federation NRA, said that they are aware that their structures were built along the “danger zone” thus they are occupying an area owned by the government.

“Ang amo lang hangyo nga kung papahawa-on man mi sa among gipuy-an sa umaabot, ang amo lang gipangayo, relocation lang kay sa pagkakaron jud kay di jud mi ready na papahawa-on jud,” said Alquiosola.

Alquiosala, who has been living in the area for 13 years, shared that they are already accustomed to living in the neighborhood.

She added that most of those living in the NRA were vendors, massage therapists, and manicurists.

Alquiosala reiterated that they were not against the demolition and only wanted a relocation.

She, however, expressed a condition that should there be a relocation site, it must not be placed within the mountain area since they are making a living around the city proper.

“Nindot kaayo iyang sugyot nga relocation pero nindot sad kaayo siya kay choosy,” Pesquera expressed.

Pesquera clarified that the relocation sites provided by the government are not free. She added that land prices are rising which is even affecting the upland area especially those in the city particularly the NRA.

“Pero ang pangutana ka afford ba mo mubayad sa tag P150,000 per square meter?” said Pesquera.

She explained that when a relocation site is identified, the government may have paid the lot in advance but this does not mean that the beneficiaries will not be paying for it.

“Ang relocation, dili na free, bayaranan na ninyo,” said Pesquera.

According to Pesquera, the city government opted to build these relocation sites within the upland areas since there is no space within the city proper. She added that its prices also have to be considered since the price range of P150,000 per square meter is meted, it is no longer allowed to be a relocation site option.

“Kay di na ma afford sa mga beneficiaries,” said Pesquera.

But Alquiosala argued that they are not being picku.

“Dili man mi choosy ma’am, ang amo ramang gi-ari diri kay muhangyo raman mi, if dili sad i-grant, wala mi mahimo ang amo-a raman jud is ang panghangyo,” she said.

Councilor Young also expressed that there is a problem in identifying a relocation site due to the consideration of the price affordability.

Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., Minority Floor Leader. for his part also said the city government could remedy the situation by providing an extension before their houses got cleared for them to be able to look for more relocation options. –/ATO (FREEMAN)