The local government of Angeles City gathered residents affected by a surprise demolition in Balubad, Barangay Anunas, Angeles City to discuss possible expropriation proceedings for over seven hectares of land their houses occupy. 

The move came after the surprise demolition conducted by Clarkhills on February 8, 2024 that, according to the city government, affected 535 households and around 2,000 families.

Clark Hills, the developer, has claimed ownership of the land following the cancellation of the residents’ Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA). 

In a post on social media, the city government said it would use its power to expropriate private properties in Barangay Anunas since Clark Hills allegedly did not adhere to the agreement of presenting concrete plans before conducting the demolition.

"Considering the present circumstances and this impasse in the communication between the City Government of Angeles and Clark Hills, we believe that the best course of action for us is to proceed with the expropriation," the post said.

REACTION

Meanwhile, Atty. Gener Endona, spokesperson for Clark Hills, clarified that the LGU was informed about the demolition of commercial buildings and large houses in Barangay Balubad.

"In that meeting also, I have emphasized that Clarkhills shall proceed with the implementation of the Writ of Demolition by fencing only the vacant lots and demolishing commercial buildings and big houses, without touching small houses and those involving the indigents," Endona said.

"We remain true to this commitment in our recent implementation of the writ as we have notified you in a letter dated January 17, 2024," Endona added.

Clark Hills expressed their intention to donate land to the affected residents and conduct relocation through the 4P's program of the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD).

"We also commit that until a relocation site by DHSUD is realized, houses of indigent families, houses of original CLOA holders who have not sold their land and houses of their immediate members would not be demolished," Endona said.

Additionally, Clark Hills said that they respect the LGU's decision to claim the land while asserting their right to defend their property.

"Your decision to expropriate the land to award them to actual occupants is within the right of the LGU to file. However, Clarkhills also has the right to defend its own property from involuntary taking, which should be for 'public purpose,' with payment of 'just compensation' and with due observance to 'equal protection of the law'," Endona added.

In response to the situation, the city government initiated medical missions and relief distribution to help the residents affected.

"Na-appreciate po namin yung ginagawa niyo [the LGU]... sana po tuloy-tuloy na po ang pag-unlad ng Balubad," Jinky Padilla, a resident, said.

Clearing operations were conducted to clean up the debris left from the surprise demolition.