Locals in Barotac Nvo demolition seek help for shelter as cops pursue Obstruction raps
Members of 26 families rendered homeless this week in one Iloilo town are appealing for government help or “any kind of assistance.”
To start off, where to go next and build a family home as a longstanding government order for demolition was implemented Monday.
The demolished homes were in Barangay Salijid, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo and subject of lengthy legal battle.
With the Court ultimately ruling for a local bank’s ownership of the subject property, cops from the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) assisted the demolition team.
A stand-off occurred as affected families barricaded themselves and prevented easy implementation of the demolition order.
Senior Superintendent Ricardo Dela Paz, IPPO director came out to defend the police presence and assistance. In an interview over Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Dela Paz said a lawful order was executed.
In fact, for Dela Paz, the locals who physically objected and prevented smooth demolition of the subject houses were the ones violating the law.
As such, the IPPO director said complaint for Obstruction of Justice will be filed and pursued though it was not immediately clear who amongst the residents will be named respondents.
The Order of Demolition has been rendered final and executory.
Joseph Trespeces, head of one of the affected families, decried then to reporters present the supposed “overkill” and force used in the demolition.
In the end, with the intercession of Barangay Salijid officials, a consideration was reached that got the Court sheriff to agree on a compromise.
Barangay Kagawad Victor Pulmones told The News Today (TNT) that some of the houses subject of the demolition were not fully destroyed. Those were however padlocked with the families allowed to save their belongings.
Pulmones said those totally homeless are temporarily sheltered in nearby family homes of relatives.