Fate of ‘illegal’ tanod outposts known Monday
Cebu City’s Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement (PROBE) team temporarily stopped yesterday the demolition of barangay tanod outposts “illegally” built at Carbon Public Market in Barangay Ermita.
PROBE chairperson Jesusa Berido decided to give a grace period to the barangay at the request of Barangay Captain Felicisimo “Imok” Rupinta.
“Naa mi agreement nga by Monday if negative si mayor, mo-push through sila,” Rupinta told reporters yesterday.
Rupinta said he is set to meet Mayor Tomas Osmeña on Monday to ask the latter to stop the demolition, contending that barangay tanod outposts are an outlet of the barangay in addressing peace and order concerns of the constituents.
He said the presence of barangay tanod outposts within the vicinity of Carbon Public Market has helped suppress criminality in the area.
“Kanang sa may Zone 9, nagbutang ta og outpost dira kay grabe ang patay. Awa pagbutang nato, nawala so karon nga tangtangon nila mobalik na,” Rupinta said.
It was not the first time that the barangay captain sought the city government’s consideration. Last October 6 and 18, barangay officials submitted two motions for reconsideration after they received the clearing order dated September 22 signed by Osmeña.
The motions stated that even though the outposts are illegal structures, they serve as efficient and effective public assistance centers.
However, Osmeña denied their appeal. Rupinta, nonetheless, said he doesn’t believe that political vendetta is behind the move of the city government.
The FREEMAN tried to reach Osmeña yesterday but to no avail.
In a separate interview, Berido said before giving extension to the barangay, she sought the opinion of lawyer Joseph Bernaldez, head of the City Legal Office.
“I asked the opinion of Atty. Bernaldez and he also asked me to give consideration,” she said.
PROBE team gave Rupinta until Monday to secure approval from the mayor not to continue the demolition. If Osmeña will decline, PROBE will immediately proceed with the demolition on Monday afternoon.
As of yesterday, out of the seven outposts, the team was dismantled just one, particularly the outpost at Zone IX in Carbon Public Market.
Other “illegal” structures are situated at Freedom Park (Zone III), Freedom Park (Zone VI), Escario Street (Zone VII), Quezon Boulevard (Zone V), Quezon Boulevard (Zone VIII), and Unit III Carbon Market (Zone IV).
Meanwhile, Ermita vendors launched a signature campaign opposing the demolition of tanod outposts by the city government.
“Dili mi mosugot nga kuhaon. Og kuhaon nang outpost ug magkagubot, asa man mi padulong ani? Wala namay tanod?” said Victoriana Obaob, resident of the barangay.