By WENDY ATUBAN
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY─ More than 200 families affected by the on going demolition at Stonehill Dontogan, Green Valley said they are willing to negotiate with Mariano Tianggilen, owner of the 2.5-hectare land here where their 65 houses stand at present.

Several days before the temporary restraining order (TRO) expires, residents here claimed they were not aware of any negotiations going on between them and the representatives of Mr. Tianggilen, contrary to what sheriff Edgar Ancheta of the Regional Trial Court Branch 3 claimed.

Ancheta informed the residents that somebody who identified himself as the representative of the affected residents has been negotiating with Tianggilen’s representatives. He said the representative allegedly demanded a compensation of P50,000 per family and a one hectare relocation site at Marcos Highway, which Tianggilen’s party agreed to.

The residents deny having sent anyone to represent them. Annie Fermin, one of the affected residents said, “Wala kaming alam sa ini-offer na negotiation,” (We are not aware of any negotiations going on). Awan pinili ken dinutukan mi nga (We did not choose nor appoint) a spokesperson wenno (or) representative,” she added.

With this, the affected residents demanded that the owner and his representatives meet with them and show who they talked to as their supposed representative.

They also admitted they waited and are still open for any offer of negotiation. All Ancheta assured was transportation assistance to residents who would transfer to any place within Baguio.

Meanwhile, the residents demand the demolition team to leave the house they are occupying because they feel harassed by their presence.

They also complain of the bulldozing and excavation activities going on and ask that these activities be stopped. Fermin called these “total harassment” and asked the demolition team and other concerned to “respect the TRO until further development comes.”

Several residents, like Jane (no surname supplied), said they would just wait for further developments, but they would voluntarily vacate if nothing good comes out of the appeal for judicial courtesy that the residents filed in the Court of Appeals.

The residents filed a petition for certiorari and assailed the validity of the special order of the demolition order, said Timoteo Dapnisan, a resident. He added that the special order of demolition is dormant or stilled. # nordis.net