Cebu City Hall’s Probe team shown here issuing notices to settlers to move out of Osmeña Shrine on or before June 10. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
The 400 settlers who moved into the 4.2-hectare Osmeña Shrine in Barangay Kalunasan have until today to clear out lest their houses be dismantled by City Hall’s Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (Probe) team.
“They have to move out. They are given enough time,” Cebu City Acting Mayor Margot Osmeña said in yesterday’s press conference.
The settlers were reportedly issued a 10-day notice to vacate the area by the Probe team last May 31.
But Probe Team head Raquel Arce said the 10-day notice ends next Monday, June 13 since weekends were not counted.
She also mentioned that they will start the demolition on the area the next day, June 14.
“Let’s see. Like I said, demolition is never going to be easy,” the acting mayor said.
Osmeña also denied reports that her husband, incoming Mayor Tomas Osmeña gave permission to the settlers to build houses in the area as part of a campaign promise.
“Whatever reasons they have, whatever excuses they have, whatever authority they have from whoever they claim, they just have to be really out tomorrow. That’s clear,” she said.
Osmeña also mentioned that the city is not obligated to relocate them.
“I don’t believe we are obligated to do that (relocation). They just moved in the place,” she said.
Osmeña said the settlers appear to be able to find a new place to live in.
“They spent so much on building their houses there. Apparently, they have enough funds. It’s almost like a subdivision,” she said.
Kalunasan barangay chairman Nunilon Monares said they have yet to determine what assistance to give the settlers once they move out./UP Cebu Intern Amy A. Macalinao
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