Tension gripped a neighborhood in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro as residents resisted the demolition of nearly 300 houses in the area.

The Regional Trial Court Branch 5 has issued a writ of demolition against the organization that claimed to own eight hectares of land where the houses stand.

The residents affected by the order put up a barricade to prevent the demolition team from entering the area. They allegedly threw stones and bottles at the demolition team. 

Some members of the demolition team, including a police official, as well as three children, were injured. The police official was hit in the head and was taken immediately to the hospital for treatment.

Because of the tension, the demolition was stopped as the barangay council will have to talk to the residents affected.

“Ang amo ani karon kung kinsay representative ani nga portion ug sa pikas pwde nato istoryahon sa diplomasya nga pamaagi,” Barangay Lumbia councilman Pepe Laride said.

The residents affected are calling for a relocation.

“Walay problema sa amo kung kuhaon nila ang yuta kung naa sila saktong papel ang amo e-plastar lang mi dili kay murag iro naglakaw lakaw palibot kung asa magpuyo,” one of the affected residents, Shiela Ann Edmilao, said.

The court sheriff denied the allegation that there is no court order for the demolition because the court already issued an order last March 2024.

However, implementation of the order was put on hold because of the fire that broke out in the area. Residents also reportedly requested that the demolition be postponed until classes are over.

Thirty-three houses in the area will not be included in the demolition after the Regional Trial Court Branch 17 issued a writ of preliminary injunction while the case is being heard.