A demolition operation in Sitio Marna, Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City turned chaotic on June 25 after about 20 houses were torn down, prompting residents to question the legality of the operation and seek the intervention of the city government.
Household belongings, roofing materials, and other debris were left scattered across the area following the demolition. Some residents also alleged that members of the private demolition team set fire to several structures, although this has yet to be independently verified.
Residents said the operation began on June 24, with bulldozers and backhoes used to demolish houses on the property.
Affected families later sought assistance from the Mandaue City Housing and Urban Development Office (HUDO).
HUDO Executive Assistant Ramy Inopiquez said the operation appeared to lack the necessary legal documents after the demolition team allegedly failed to present a writ of demolition and instead showed only a court order dated 2016.
According to Inopiquez, more than 100 houses stand on the roughly one-hectare property.
He said he spoke with Jonathan Alvarez, who identified himself as the demolition team’s leader.
“Ako siyang gipangutana, naa ba moy writ of demolition, order ta kuno adto pang 2016, pero writ of order akong gipangita kay mao man nay final order nga i-issue sa judge,” Inopiquez said.
He added that because the property is privately owned, a sheriff should have been present during the demolition, but none was reportedly at the site.
Inopiquez said the use of heavy equipment without what he believes to be the proper legal authority, as well as demolition workers covering their faces instead of wearing identification, raised concerns over the operation’s legality.
“Maong kami sa HUDO, muingon gyud mi nga ihunong ang demolition, kay wala moy legal basis pagguba og pagpapahawa sa mga tao,” he said.
Following discussions with the demolition team, Inopiquez said there was a verbal agreement to suspend further demolition until a writ of demolition could be presented.
He said the team told him they would consult their legal counsel.
“Ako silang giingnan ngano wa man mo nag secure ana, niingon sila kay mubalik daw sila og uno,” he said.
“Natural nga mukuha sila balik og order kay 2016 pa na, paso na ang order, under the law three years ra na pwede i execute.”
Inopiquez maintained that the team should have secured a new court order before proceeding and said the operation may have violated provisions of the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.
“Illegal ilang gihimo, kinahanglan musubay sila ug unsay gisulti sa balaod, di nila kumkumon ang balaod luoy kaayong mga tao way ikasukol,” he said.
He added that representatives of the demolition team have been summoned to appear before the Office of the Mayor to explain the legal basis for the operation.
“Kung naa natong papel, klaruhon to, kay kung walay legal basis ihunong ang demolition, kay di musugot atong mayor maghimo sila og illegal sa atong dakbayan,” Inopiquez said.
He also advised residents not to vacate the area unless the demolition team presents the proper legal documents.
Among those affected was 39-year-old resident Rogedele Layno, who said her family had lived in Sitio Marna for six years before their house was demolished.
“Bag-o lang mi nangmata ato… one hour ra ang tagal ninyo pamahawa mo diri, panggub-on na namo inyong mga balay… mao to nakuyawan mi, namahawa nalang mi,” Layno recalled.
She alleged that members of the demolition team warned residents that anyone who resisted would be electrocuted and beaten. She said they were given less than an hour to leave before their homes were destroyed.
Now left without shelter, Layno appealed for assistance.
“Akong panawagan nanghinaot ko nga kining nahitabo nga sitwasyon namo karon naa gyuy mutabang namo kay dili gyud sayon among kahimtang karon,” she said.
Another resident, 69-year-old Bernardo Macario, whose house was also demolished, said he is willing to relocate provided he receives compensation.
“Ako mupahawa gyud ko, pero magpabayad nalang ko,” Macario said.
As of posting time, the side of the property owner and the private demolition team had yet to issue a statement regarding the allegations raised by residents and HUDO officials.
Photo by VCL
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