DILG gives LGUs guide in seeking demolition help

THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) released updated guidelines for all local government units (LGU) in requesting police assistance during a demolition.

The guidelines will help LGUs to maintain order and prevent hostility and violence when executing evictions in accordance with the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA).

This set of guidelines is intended to safeguard from hostility and violence, not only the affected and underprivileged and homeless citizens, but also the representatives of government agencies and police personnel involved in the demolition or eviction, the guidelines read.

Effectivity

In a copy it furnished to the Cebu City Council, DILG Memorandum Circular 2014-82 issued by DILG Sec. Mar Roxas states that the guidelines in requesting police assistance will take effect if the demolition is a court order or through an executive order.

Before police assistance will be provided to the requesting party, the proponent will be required to write a formal letter addressed to the chief of the Philippine National Police or to its regional director at least 10 days before the schedule date of demolition.

Documents such as a certified true copy of the court or administrative orders and a certified true copy of the certificate of compliance on demolition or eviction issued by the chairman of the local housing board shall be also be attached to the request letter.

The memorandum further requires the LGU to conduct a pre-demolition conference upon the receipt of formal request.

Preparation

The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) is also directed to prepare and serve notice of pre-demolition conference to DILG, PNP, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Housing Authority (NHA), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the local housing board of the concerned LGU, representatives of the affected families, the landowner (if the property is privately owned), representative of the court who issued the order and other concerned agencies.

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DILG gives LGUs guide in seeking demolition help