HUDO stops ‘illegal’ demolition in Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines — A commotion erupted between residents of Sitio Marna in Barangay Subangdaku and a private demolition team on Thursday, June 25, after at least 20 houses were torn down in an operation that local housing officials said may have been carried out without valid order from the court.

Household belongings, roofing materials and debris littered the area following the demolition. Residents also alleged that some structures were set on fire by members of the demolition team.

According to affected families, the demolition began on Wednesday, June 24, with heavy equipment, including bulldozers and backhoes, used to raze homes in the community.

Seeking government intervention, residents went to the Mandaue City Housing and Urban Development Office (HUDO) on Thursday morning to report the incident.

HUDO Executive Assistant Ramy Inopiquez said the demolition appeared to have no legal basis because the demolition team allegedly failed to present a writ of demolition and instead carried only a court order issued in 2016.

Inopiquez said more than 100 houses stand on the approximately one-hectare property.

He said he was able to speak with a certain Jonathan Alvarez, who identified himself as the team leader of the demolition group.

“Ako siyang gipangutana, naa ba moy writ of demolition, order ra kuno adto pang 2016, pero writ of order akong gipangita kay mao man nay final order nga i-issue sa judge,” said Inopiquez.

He added that because the property is privately owned, a sheriff should have been present to oversee the demolition. However, none was reportedly at the site.

According to Inopiquez, the demolition team proceeded with the operation on its own, making it “unlawful.”

He further argued that the use of bulldozers and backhoes was improper and questioned why members of the demolition team had their faces covered, saying those conducting the operation should have worn name tags.

“Maong kami sa HUDO, muingon gyud mi nga ihunong ang demolition, kay wala moy legal basis pagguba ug pagpapahawa sa mga tao,” said Inopiquez.

Through a verbal agreement, Inopiquez instructed Alvarez that no further demolition activities should take place unless a writ of demolition is presented.

Inopiquez said members of the demolition team told him they would coordinate the matter with their legal counsel.

“Ako silang giingnan ngano wa man mo nag secure ana, niingon sila kay mubalik daw sila og uno,” said Inopiquez.

“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,” he added.

He stressed that because the court order was issued a decade ago, a new order should have been secured from the court before any demolition could be implemented.

“Illegal ilang gihimo, kinahanglan musubay sila og unsay gisulti sa balaod, di nila kumkumon ang balaod luoy kaayong mga tao way ikasukol,” said Inopiquez.

He also said the demolition may have violated provisions of the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.

According to Inopiquez, 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,” he said.

Inopiquez likewise advised residents not to leave the area unless the demolition team could present the necessary legal documents.

Among those affected was 39-year-old resident Rogedele Layno, who has lived in Sitio Marna for six years. She recounted how her family was caught off guard when the demolition team arrived on June 24.

During the interview, Layno stood barefoot as she narrated the incident, saying she had forgotten to put on her slippers amid the chaos that unfolded.

“Bag-o lang mi nangmata ato, syempre na kuratan mi kay ni deretso naman sila og ingon ‘demolish ni, demolish ni, demolish ni, one hour ra ang tagal ninyo pamahawa mo diri, panggub-on na namo inyong mga balay’ mao to nakuyawan mi, namahawa nalang mi,” said Layno.

The mother said members of the demolition team warned residents that anyone who resisted would be electrocuted and beaten.

She added that they were not even given an hour to prepare before their homes were demolished.

Layno’s house was among the 20 structures destroyed during the operation.

Now left without shelter, she appealed for assistance as she and other affected families struggle to recover.

“Akong panawagan nanghinaot ko nga kining nahitabo nga sitwasyon namo karon naa gyuy mutabang namo kay dili gyud sayon among kahimtang karon,” said Layno.

Meanwhile, 69-year-old Bernardo Macario, whose house was completely demolished, said he is willing to relocate provided he is compensated.

“Ako mupahawa gyud ko, pero magpabayad nalang ko,” said Macario.

Macario said he has nowhere else to go after the demolition because even his child’s house was destroyed.

“Asa man mi, nga di naman ni mapuslan, maong kung pwede ila nalang kong bayran,” said Macario. — /FPL (FREEMAN)