North Cotabato govt removes illegal structures near hospitl

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- At least 77 houses, stores and establishments were demolished by the provincial Government and Kidapawan along a road leading to the North Cotabato Provincial Hospital (CPH) in Barangay Amas. At the same time, the provincial government unveiled its plan for big-ticket infrastructure projects including road widening and hospital expansion. Atty. John Haye Delubio, provincial legal counsel , said prior to the demolition, the owners have been fully informed and were given ample time (January 2017)to relocate.A series of meeting were also conducted between the homeowners and local government. But some residents refuse while others voluntarily demolished their own properties.Delubio said the provincial government is offering Serbisyong Totoo Village in Barangay Manubuan in Matalam town. Margarita Sindol, who has been in the area since 1976, refused to move to Matalam, citing economic reasos. Even the reservoir of Metro Kidapawan Water District will be demolished.