Two rifle grenades were found on the first day of demolition inside the 4^th Infantry Division (4ID) at Camp Evangelista in Patag, Cagayan de Oro on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

The demolition was halted for a while as the military’s Explosives and Ordnance Unit secured the grenades that were found on the street.

The demolition resumed after authorities secured the area.

“Ang ato lang karon is for the safety of the civilians ug sa tanan nga naa diri nga informal settlers ato sa gi cordon,” 4ID spokesperson on demolition, Captain Abegail Lorenzo, said.

Authorities said the grenades were active and may have been left behind by a resident.

Whoever left the grenades could not be traced, as of this writing.

Up to 437 houses built at the property declared as military reservation inside the camp are set to be demolished within five days.

PEACEFUL

The military said the first day of the demolition was carried out peacefully.

“Walay resistance so far sa bahin sa mga informal settlers dinhi sulod sa Camp Evangelista military reservation,” Lorenzo added.

Some affected residents tore down their houses voluntarily while other residents said earlier that they will not leave their homes.

Retired Master Sergeant Gil Garcia, who lives in the area for nearly six decades, said that they already obtained a title before the property was declared as military reserved.

“Ang title sa Bagting Family kay December 21, 1892 gi issue kana una kaayo kaysa proclamation nga March 31, 1938 who has that right of possession Bagting heirs,” Garcia said.

A legal counsel of some affected residents filed a motion to quash and motion for reconsideration before the court as his clients were supposedly not included in the demolition. However, the two motions were dismissed.

“They were not given their day in court. Pareha ana karon naa decision batok ni Juan dili pwde i-enforce nimo kay Pedro kay wala man apil si Pedro sa kaso. We hope the court can resolve that,” Atty. Antonio Amarga, legal counsel of some affected residents, said earlier.