Residents of Purok Masinulondon in Brgy. Punta Taytay, Bacolod City, whose houses were demolished Wednesday called the city officials inhumane for their alleged “defiance” in resolving their plight.

Bacolod Councilor Dindo Ramos, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Urban Poor Housing and Resettlement, said the city government is doing everything it can to help the dislocated families but there are processes to be followed before they can be relocated.

Ramos also said that the city government had offered them lots at the relocation site in Brgy. Vista Alegre but they refused to accept them.

In a press conference at the Negros Press Club in Bacolod yesterday, Leonard Jamili, one of the affected residents, claimed that they were treated like animals by the demolition team, who destroyed their houses on Wednesday.

Jamili also claimed their children are getting sick because they are temporarily staying in tents and are sleeping on the ground.

He said they are wondering why the city government has not purchased the 1.7-hectare lot owned by Isidro Villarosa in nearby Purok Mahigugmaon, where they intended to transfer.

Jamili added, that when Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia visited them after the initial implementation of the demolition in February, he told them he already signed the check for P1.2 million for the purchase of Villarosa's lot. H e asked why the land was not yet purchased.

Virgie Villa, said they are asking the city officials to provide them financial and food assistance. She said tension rose in their area yesterday after they heard rumor that a bulldozer will be sent there to drive them away.

Ramos said that the committee formed to address the problem in Purok Masinulondon will convene to appraise the value of the lot.*APN

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