Tejero demolitions go on despite pleas

CEBU, Philippines — True to its promise, the Cebu City Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, Enhancement (PROBE) team resumed the demolition of structures along the sidewalks in Barangay Tejero’s Sitios Silangan 1 and 2 yesterday.

The resumption of the clearing came even after the recent attack on PROBE team leader Arnulfo Cadungog, which was believed to be due to his work as part of the clearing squad.

“Ang akong order na nga nadawat is gi-deny ilang TRO (temporary restraining order) ug ilahang injunction, that’s why ni proceed ko, (Their TRO and injunction requests were denied, that’s why we proceeded with the clearing),” said PROBE chief Raquel Arce.

Arce, who had vowed to continue doing her job despite the threats she and her team members had received, said she got an order from the court last week that she mistakenly thought was a hold order.

Upon review by the City Legal Office, it was found out that it was merely a document stating that the structure owners had sought for a motion for reconsideration and that it was not a hold order.

But the residents’ counsel, lawyer Vincent Isles, said the demolitions were unfair for the residents.

“Ms. Arce herself personally knew that the homeowners and residents of Sitio Silangan I and II had always abided by the law,” he wrote in an earlier post to his social media account the day after Cadungog’s attack.

“We humbly request the PROBE, through Ms. Arce, not to proceed further with the demolition, until the Honorable Court shall have clarified the legal status of the situation, inasmuch as the Cebu City Legal Office, through Atty. Francis Ocampo, and I have differing legal opinions as to the effect of our filing of a Motion for Reconsideration,” the post read.

Some residents have condemned the clearing, branding it as unjust and anti-poor.

“Magpadayon gyud ang pagdaogdaog sa mga pobre (They are bullying us poor people),” said Anecito Andus, 77, who has lived in Silangan for over 50 years.

Isles explained that for now, they are documenting the demolition so they have evidence to use once they decide to file charges over the demolition even if there was no court order.

As for some residents, they are amenable to the clearing as long as they will be provided relocation and new homes.

“Tagai ra mi kabalhinan, kami voluntary guba sa among balay (Give us relocation and we will destroy our homes voluntarilty),” said Christina Pardillo, 43, president of Lot 1 United Residents Homeowners Association. — Micole Gerard J. Tizon (FREEMAN)