OSMEÑA WANTS DRUG DENS DEMOLISHED AFTER BOY’S SHOOTING

The Cebu City mayor said that his order may not require an ordinance since drug dens are covered by legitimate anti-drug operations. Just to be sure, city lawyers will check.

Following the death of a fouryear-old child who was hit by a stray bullet during a police operation, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is taking steps to strengthen the City Government’s efforts to curb illegal drugs.

In his news conference yesterday, Osmeña warned all the 80 barangays, or wherever it may be applicable, that the City will demolish houses that are confirmed drug dens.

First on the list of structures that will be cleared out is the abandoned house in Sitio Bato, Barangay Ermita that was the subject of the anti-drug operation last Tuesday afternoon.

The victim, identified as Skyler Abatayo, reportedly lives beside the abandoned house.

He succumbed to a gunshot wound in the chest.

The mayor said he will cover Abatayo’s autopsy, wake and burial expenses. He also extended P10,000 cash assistance to the family.

“It’s an abandoned house and the victim was in the house beside it. I’m going to have that house demolished and I’m warning the people in Ermita that any house with a drug pot session... if you don’t produce your building permit, I will demolish the house,” Osmeña said.

The mayor gave the order verbally and said that an executive order or passing an ordinance on the matter may not be necessary since the drug dens are covered by a legitimate anti-drug operation.

He added that the City Government has the power to order the demolition of structures that do not have building permits.

But to ensure that the order will not violate any law, Osmeña said he will ask City Hall lawyers to look into it.

“I’m just making an effort. If it’s possible then yes, I will also check the houses of barangay officials. Basta, we’ll do whatever we can. I would push the limits of my authority,” he said.

It’s an abandoned house and the victim was in the house beside it. I’m going to have that house demolished and I’m warning the people in Ermita that any house with a drug pot session... if you don’t produce your building permit, I will demolish the house. CEBU CITY MAYOR TOMAS OSMEÑA