Cebu City Workers Clear Protected Area From Fences Of Would-Be Occupants

Personnel from the Cebu City Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) have cleared the Osmena Shrine, a protected area in the hinterland village of Kalunasan, of makeshift fences installed by some individuals who want to build houses in the area.

Lawyer Collin Rosell, DWUP chief, said Lot 1412, or the Osmeña Shrine property, is owned by the Cebu City government.

Rosell said the area is a protected area and is strictly a no-build zone.

Kalunasan Barangay Captain Nunilon Monares said some 200individuals trooped to the area since Tuesday after rumors spread that members of the urban poor would be allowed to build houses in the area.

They put up makeshift fences and cordoned off the area they claimed as their lots.

Monares said he sought the help of city officials because members of his village peacekeepers told him houses were being built in the area.

Monares said that when he and Rosell went to the area on Friday, they no longer found anybody guarding the cordoned spaces.

The DWUP tore down the fences.

Rosell said the DWUP personnel will continue clearing the area.

Four barangay tanods habe been tasked to guard the property while Monares has requested the police to deploy personnel in the area.

Monares said they are still checking the source of the rumors that residents were allowed to build houses inside the protected area. (PNA) SCS/EB/RSM