Bato folk ask City Hall to hasten re-blocking

About 162 residents of sitio Bato, barangay Ermita asked the Cebu City government to expedite the re-blocking project in their area in order not to “prolong their agony” and allow them to rebuild their homes.

The petitioners also asked for sanctions on those who opposed the re-blocking especially barangay councilor Winefredo Miro.

A copy of the petition was sent to the office of City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete whom Mayor Michael Rama designated as acting mayor in his absence.

Raquel Arce, head of the city’s demolition team, said they already completed the clearing of 60 percent of the sitio Bato, Ermita fire site.

Arce said it could be completed anytime if this will no longer be opposed by some residents.

Petitioners said contrary to the claims of some fire victims, a series of consultations were done with the fire affected families prior to the start of the city’s clearing operations early this month.

An agreement was also signed to ascertain that no one from among the 186 fire affected families will be displaced during the process.

“Due to the uncomfortable situation many members of our family became ill due to the scorching heat of the sun, cold at night and (because of) other pressures,” their petition stated.

“For the sake of our respective families, we pray for the immediate completion of the re-blocking program without delay to facilitate our return to our dwelling places,” the petitioners said.

About 40 families were relocated to City Hall tents installed at M.L. Quezon Street.

The rest of the 200 families stayed in the barangay gym while the others are staying with their relatives.