Sheriff Edilberto Suarin (blue shirt) and DOLE Senior Labor and Employment Officer Russel Cañete (checkered shirt). (CDN PHOTO/JOSE SANTINO BUNACHITA)
CEBU City Hall officials called on court sheriff Edilberto Suarin to answer allegations of child labor and employing minors during the demolition.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) received a report of child labor that a 16-year-old took part in the demolition and was even detained by police for looting one of the houses.
He said Suarin agreed to talk with Russel Cañete, the DOLE representative but after talking with someone over the phone, decided to snub the meeting. Ponce said Suarin ordered the demolition personnel to resume their work despite a suspension in order to identify those who took part in the demolition.
There was also a pending court hearing on the petition to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the demolition. The DOLE representative then issued a stoppage order, saying Suarin first had to answer allegations of child labor before they can proceed with the demolition.
The agency invited Suarin to explain his side in their office tomorrow.