More than 161 families were displaced after the Supreme Court (SC) issued an order to demolish their houses in Sta. Cruz Mandumol, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

The demolition was carried out peacefully as residents dismantled their houses voluntarily.

Police and members of the Task Force Oro were also deployed in the area to provide security. Representatives of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD), and City Mayor’s Office were also present.

“Gigamit nato ang salaam police nato para sa mediation ug negotiation nga kailangan na gyud sila mag-vacate kay naa na gyud order from court. So sa pagkakaron wala nay resistance pati mismo sila aside sa demolition team nga 100 kabuok nangunay na pud ang mga tagbalay,” Police Station 9 Chief, Captain Byron-John Ratunil, said.

The SC issued an order in favor of the Maandig family who reportedly owns the property.

Some of the residents have lived in the area for more than 20 years. They have expressed worry and dismay for alleged lack of assistance from the local government.

“Naa untay cash assistance man unta, ayuda nga bisan gamay lang unta nga pambalon unta sa amoa ba, wala man gyud mi tagae. Unya wala pud LGU nianhi sa amoa dinhi nga kanang before pa sa demolisyon wala man sila nagpakabana sa amoa diri ba,” a resident, Edwin Pardillo, said.

The barangay council explained that the demolition order should have been carried out last January 2024, but residents affected were given three months to relocate and leave.

The residents were also reportedly reminded repeatedly about the demolition order.

The barangay said it is ready to help the residents affected. 

“Kami sa barangay ug ang council sa syudad, City Mayor’s Office naa gyud. Gani man nag-validate sa 161 ka household dinhi sa Sta. Cruz mandumol. Gani man basin nakita ninyo naay naglabay nga nagdala og bugas kay gipang-validate nana sila na-inform na gyud na sila,” Barangay Councilman Daryl Pimentel said.