Around 400 families were displaced after at least 80 houses were demolished in Barangay Matina Crossing, Davao City on Friday, May 23, 2025.

The demolition was carried out by virtue of a court order.

Personnel of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) were deployed to the area to ensure that the demolition would proceed peacefully.

“Gi-demolish sila gumikan kay ning ano na ang tag-iya nga gamiton, and then, with the order gikan sa korte signed November 29, 2024, ikaduha napud ni nga order from the korte, April 30, 2025,” DCPO Spokesperson, Capt. Hazel Caballero-Tuazon said.

Many of the residents affected were left with no choice but to gather their belongings before the demolition team tore down their homes.

One of the residents affected, Rowell Navarro, who has been living in the area since 2009, said they are waiting for the instructions from their purok leader.

“Hulat lang mi sa unsay signal sa among presidente diri, o Purok Leader, naghulat lang gyud mi kung unsay abuton gyud namo,” Navarro said.

He said the owner of the property has offered a relocation, but he did not agree to the offer.

“Pero unsa tong tuig diri, gipangbayaran man ang mga tao diri tag 20k dala relocate didto sa Tacunan. Kami nagpabilin lang sa mi kay hulat lang sa mi og tarong nga relocation ba,” Navarro added.

Another resident said they are determined to file a countersuit against those who ordered the demolition of their houses, as they await the court to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO).