Houses of 18 families were demolished yesterday in Talisay City, where Mayor Socrates Fernandez assured relocation for those illegally staying on government land.
Tension was high around 10 a.m. when the demolition team sent by City Hall started clearing at least three meters on each side of the barangay road in sitio Rattan, barangay Tanke.
Mayor Fernandez, who went to the site, said those affected will be made beneficiaries of the city’s socialized housing program.
“We are doing this for the public good. We need to define the road and widen it so emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks can enter,” he told Cebu Daily News.
The mayor denied reports that the city was engaged in landgrabbing.
He said settlers can still avail of socialized housing even though the property was government owned.
“Some people have alsready started paying for their homelots here although some fail to pay due to poverty.
Darwin Cabisan, a resident, said the city government is claiming lots that they do not own. He said the lot which is the subject of the demolition is part of Lot 660 and not Lot 8293.
He said they already questioned the city government actions and submitted it to the court.
“Let them prove their claim in court,” said Talisay City spokesman Arturo Bas.
“They have long been blocking the demolition. But their situation is already dangerous. Fire can spread easily her because many houses are just made of light materials.” /Jessa J. Agua and Gabriel C. Bonjoc, Correspondents