Mambaling residents seek CH help to stay demolition

CEBU, Philippines - At least 500 homeowners in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City sought for a six-month postponement of the scheduled demolition of their houses on Monday.

Virginia Nuñez Canoy, president of the Alaska Mambaling Homeowners Association, together with the other officers yesterday went to the City Hall to see acting mayor Margarita "Margot" Osmeña.

The homeowners presented a written request for the city government to intervene on their behalf. The affected residents want the city to help them ask the court to defer the demolition until a resurvey of the property is completed.

Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 6 Judge Pamela Baring-Uy issued a demolition order on June 10. The order stemmed from a civil case filed by Antonio Abellana.

Abellana claimed ownership of at least two lots in Sitio Tangke, Alaska Mambaling. However, the Abellana allegedly included in his claim a lot that is no longer included in his property.

The homeowners are asking for a resurvey to determine the meets and bounds of the property claimed by Abellana. Pending the resurvey the residents wanted the city government to help them ask the court to postpone the demolition scheduled on June 27 to July 1.

"Mao na'ng nag-ask mi og resurvey pud for the meets and bounds kung asa gyud ang kang Mr. Abellana," Canoy said.

She said over 1,000 families will be affected if the demolition will push through on Monday.   (FREEMAN)