RESIDENTS of Sitio Silangan in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City can now heave a sigh of relief.

This, after Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Soliver Peras issued an order that temporarily stops the clearing operation conducted by the Cebu City Government in an area close to the port.

Raquel Bohol-Arce, the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement (Probe) chief, said they received a copy of Peras’s decision on Friday afternoon, Jan. 25.

On the same day, hours before receiving the court order, Arce vowed that Probe would continue destroying 83 houses and structures that encroached on the sidewalk on Arellano Blvd.

Probe cannot conduct any demolition today, Jan. 28, and in the coming days.

Arce said she respects the court order and she will let the City Legal Office handle the matter.

On orders of Mayor Tomas Osmña, the demolition team of Probe had destroyed six of 89 houses in Silangan to clear the sidewalks for pedestrians.

Arce said they will proceed with the demolition once the court reverses its order.

The Probe’s operation in Tejero has been eyed by the police as a motive in the attack on Probe personnal Arnulfo Cadungog, the leader of the demolition team.

Cadungog was shot while he was walking home Thursday afternoon, Jan. 24. He survived the incident.

A leader of illegal settlers in Silangan reportedly threatened him during the clearing operation on Wednesday, Jan. 23.

He is the brother of controversial Tejero Councilor Jessielou Cadungog, who was tagged by the police as a drug protector. (From PAC of SuperBalita Cebu, KAL)