No housing materials, aid for fire victims

The families displaced by the June 15 fire in sitio Lahing-Lahing, barangay Mabolo, will have to look elsewhere for their own homes.

This after disaster management and barangay officials said their area is located within the three-meter easement from the Mahiga Creek where a City Hall demolition team had begun clearing operations.

Barangay Mabolo captain Rey Ompoc said they’re waiting on Mayor Michael Rama to decide whether or not to allow the residents to rebuild their homes.

Until then, Ompoc said he advised the families to remain at the barangay gymnasium.

“They asked to return to the area but I told them that the City Hall demolition team will demolish their homes anyway,” Ompoc told Cebu Daily News.

Rama wanted the creeks and rivers to be cleared of obstructions to allow rainwater to flow freely there.

The city’s demolition team already removed 32 structures in sitio San Isidro II and will move upstream in sitio Lahing-Lahing.

The families will not be given housing materials, said the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS).

DSWS chief Cathy Yso said this will discourage the families from insisting on rebuilding their homes.

“They will be classified as illegal settlers. They can avail of the relocation but they cannot return to sitio Lahing-Lahing,” Yso said.

Yesterday was the last day the 21 families or 69 persons received food assistance from the city government.

In sitio San Isidro, Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district received a P100,000 donation for the families affected by the clearing operations. Correspondents Edison delos Angeles and Fatrick Tabada and Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac