7 arrested in Lapu-Lapu demolition

CEBU, Philippines — At least seven individuals, including officials of militant groups Anakbayan and AMA-Sugbo-KMU, have been arrested for allegedly intervening in the ongoing demolition at Sitio Casia, Barangay Bangkal, Lapu-Lapu City.

Operatives of the Lapu-Lapu City Police took into custody Howell Villacrusis, secretary general of AMA Sugbo-KMU; Keil Galon, chairperson of Anakbayan-Cebu; and Deviemar Opo, Anakbayan member in Lapu-Lapu City.

Also arrested were Marjhun Amoroto, Lito Padillon , Cris Gabutan and Belt Sasar, all members of Casia Matab-ang Residents Association.

Karapatan-Central Visayas said that except for Gabutan and Padillon who were already charged with simple disobedience and alarm and scandal, the others were held at the Lapu-Lapu City Police Station 5 without any charges.

The arrested individuals allegedly intervened in the demolition of houses that started on Tuesday, November 28, at a privately-owned lot in Barangay Bangkal. As of yesterday, a total of 52 houses had been demolished. The demolition is expected to continue today with the remaining 26 houses.

Ferdinand Ypil, chairman of Nagkahiusang Kabus sa Lapu-lapu (NAKALAP), questioned the demolition as it allegedly runs counter to the campaign promise of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan.

“Asa na man ang hustisya ani mayor? Matud pa nimo panahon sa kampanya, walay demolisyon nga mahitabo sa imong administrasyon. Naunsa na man ni ron? Hurot hurot na gyud og demolished ang among pinuy-anan,” said Ypil.

Ypil said they have been occupying the area for almost 20 years now and they were not aware that it is owned by a private individual.

“Wala sad mi nag-abang sa yuta kay dili man mosugot ang tag-iya,” he said adding the lot is about 1.7 hectare with over a hundred houses constructed therein.

Lapu-Lapu City government promised to provide financial assistance to the families affected by the demolition.

But militant groups condemned the demolition for alleged lack of legal basis.

“We decry the illegal demolition happening in Barangay Bangkal, which has no legal basis whatsoever. The demolition team failed to present a valid court order, instead showing a court order that has already been dismissed by the court,” Anakbayan said.

The residents claimed they were not informed in advance about the demolition as authorities reportedly defended the action by referring to an alleged expired Compromise Agreement from 2006 and a judgment from 2007.

According to the Casia Matab-ang Residence Association (CAMARA), the demolition is illegal as the documents presented by the Urban Development Demolition Team alongside the police do not hold merit.

They claimed that the court orders in 2008 and 2021 did not signify the approval of the demolition.

Anakbayan demands the immediate release of the seven arrested individuals.

“We strongly demand the immediate release of the seven (7) arrested individuals and call for an urgent investigation by the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines and other relevant institutions to examine the serious violations committed by the authorities during the demolition process,” it said.

They also appeal for support and donations to address the urgent needs of the communities affected by the demolition. — (FREEMAN)