Cebu City Clears Illegal Structures at Osmeña Shrine

The Cebu City Government on Tuesday demolished some 50 illegally built structures within the Osmena Shrine in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City.

The demolition was carried out by personnel from the city’s Prevention Restoration Order Beautification and Enhancement (Probe).

Raquel Arce, Probe chief, said they proceeded with the demolition Tuesday after the owners of the structures failed to get a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the court.

“Only a TRO can stop us from proceeding with the demolition of the illegal shanties,” Arce said.

Arce said Acting Cebu City Mayor Margarita Osmeña ordered the demolition and gave the residents and affected families until Monday to voluntarily move out from the area.

The families leaving inside Osmeña Shrine filed a complaint for damages with prayer for the issuance of TRO and injunction against the Cebu City Government, so they won’t be removed in the area.

But the court denied their request for the issuance of a TRO.

Arce said many of the residents cooperated with them and voluntarily dismantled their shanties. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS