A family whose house was one of the 40 houses that were demolished in barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City yesterday occupies the middle of the road. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)
Despite some resistance from residents, the demolition of houses in an area in barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City finally pushed through yesterday.
The demolition team will return today after tearing down 40 of the 150 houses in Sitio Sta. Cruz that were subject of a demolition order issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Wilfredo Navarro of Branch 19.
The demotion team, composed of around 70 personnel armed with hammers and mattocks, arrived early morning followed by operatives of the Cebu City Police Office and Special Weapons and Tactics team.
Tension rose when some residents blocked the demolition team.
The demolition was stalled when it rained. But as the downpour stopped around noon, the demolition team started tearing down houses.
Some protesting residents brought out placards saying “this lot is not covered by the demolition order.”
Sheriff El Cid Caballes said the demolition had to push through since there was already a court order.
Matranillo Vergara, President of the Public Domain Association of Barangay Capitol said the houses were demolished even if there were children inside.
“They were ruthless, children were still inside of their houses, it’s a violation of human rights,” he said.
Capitol Site Barangay Captain Manuel Guanson, who also opposed the demolition, urged the residents to rebuild their houses after the demolition as a sign of protest.
“There is no justice, instructions were told that only the private lot will be demolished but this is not a private lot” stressed Guanzon.
Guanzon said after the demolition that tents will be put up in the area.