More than 30 houses were demolished in Barangay Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, following a court order.

One of the residents affected, Paul Cueva, said he had lived in the area for more than 30 years.

“Tingala mi nga naa’y gi-serve sa amoa nga papel nga ambot asa ni gikan muna gi-demolish which is wala pa nagsugod ang demolish ganina nangayo mi og parehas anang SPA o kung ila ning napalit dapat naay deed of sale tapos naa gyud authorization gikan sa tag-iya,” Cueva said.

Despite heightened emotions from families affected, the demolition was carried out peacefully, with no injuries or violent incidents reported.

But the lot where Cueva and the other residents built their homes since had a claimant and the families affected have reportedly been aware of this situation.

According to the barangay council, the demolition was legal and was based on a court order issued by Branch 23 of the Regional Trial Court in Misamis Oriental.

“Kini sila nakapuyo kabalo pud ni sila nga kani dili gyud ilahang yuta kay naa man gyud claimant ani nga yuta nga taod-taod napud nila napuy-i,” Barangay Councilman Leonard Llamis said.

The 38 families affected by the demolition have appealed for assistance.

“Matabangan mi kay lisod kayo gyud gidiretso rami og bungkag ang among panimalay,” Cueva added.

Llamis assured that the barangay is open to providing support.

“So kung ugaling unsay malantaw sa barangay parte gani sa assistance so di gihapon mi magmakuli sa paghatag og assistance sa ilaha ugaling muadto sila sa barangay,” Llamis said.