Demolition a 'difficult job'

THERE is no joy in demolitions, even for the 200-man team tasked to carry out the court-ordered demolition of 157 houses in Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

They are considered villains in every demolition but they said it pains them to see families lose their homes.

Nelson Estao, 31, a resident of Barangay Luz, said it is his first time to take part in a demolition and he cannot help but get emotional.

Kada panangtang namo masakitan ko para sa mga pamilya. Bug-at kaayo sa akong kasing-kasing ang mangguba (I pity the families. We go about the demolition with a heavy heart), he said, in an interview yesterday.

CEBU. Viewed as villains, some members of the demolition team say they sympathize with families who lost their homes, but they need the money. (Alan Tangcawan)

Job

Estao said his house was also the subject of an ejectment case. He is thankful that the demolition did not push through.

He said he became a member of the demolition team because he needed a job. A neighbor invited him to join the team.

Tambay ra man ko, unya kailangan kog kwarta mao niapil na lang ko (I dont have a job and I needed the money so I joined), he said.

He said those in the demolition team are just following orders. Trabaho ra man ning amoa. Way personalan (Its just a job, nothing personal), he said.

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Demolition a 'difficult job'