Pamintuan orders demolition of shanties along Abacan River

ANGELES CITY -- Citing the safety of residents in communities along the Abacan River, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan ordered the demolition of shanties and other structures along the river banks.

"Our concern here is the safety of our people living dangerously along the river bank," said Pamintuan in his directive.

He said the City Government has to enforce the law to prevent loss of lives and properties.

"We do not want that the blame will be tossed to the city government in the event that something worse will happen to these informal settler families," he said.

Around 50 houses mostly informal settlers are set for demolition in Barangays Ninoy Aquino and Malabanias.

A demolition team led by the City Engineers Office backed by barangay officials and policemen started tearing down residential units along the Abacan River.

As of Tuesday, a total of 15 houses have already been flattened by demolition teams, according to City Engineer Don Dizon.

The demolition was decided during an emergency meeting which Pamintuan convened with disaster-control officials, city council headed by Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting and concerned community leaders.

This came following reports that at least 20 houses collapsed due to soil erosion along the stretch of the Abacan River.

Affected residents, Dizon said, did not oppose to Pamintuan's call as they even volunteered to demolish their houses and transfer to safer grounds.

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Pamintuan orders demolition of shanties along Abacan River