Drastic times call for drastic measures unless government officials and enforcers are willing to risk life and limb of their constituents, the very people they vowed to protect.
At the future site of a commercial center and transport hub, residents of Pier 1 have to go, whatever it takes.
It was a bloody Monday as a violent demolition ensued in Catbalogan City in Samar that left many hurt and 140 families homeless.
Resistance broke loose when the demolition team could not show any permit. The team was well fully armed. with a backhoe, ambulances and firetrucks on standby. Videos showed enforcers used tear gas and exploding devices at residential houses without taking into consideration the possibility that children and elderly may be living there.
Successfully, the demolition was enforced and 140 families were taken to an evacuation center that could only cater 17 families and a relocation site that could not even accomodate half of the affected residents.
Tagged as informal settlers, the poor families may have little understanding of the law but what was clear to them was that they were unjustly driven out of their lair without caution or due notice.
Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy made a statement that there is no need for a court order since any LGU is allowed to conduct eviction if structures are built without a mayor’s permit, or if they settle in danger zones, or if there is a funding from the national government to improve the area.
Contested by Atty. Alma Uy who said that the court had affirmed the residents’ application for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and a Writ of Injunction has been submitted for resolution.
In this battle of legalities or of what constituents could not comprehend, who cares? The people were trusting that who they voted for would be after their welfare and safety.
In the end, development comes first.