Tension erupted after residents resisted the demolition of up to 300 houses in Barangay Mambuaya, Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

Residents claimed they had long occupied the area and were not informed properly about the clearing operation.

Members of the City Demolition Team, assisted by police officers, carried out the operation despite appeal from residents affected.

One of the residents admitted the land does not belong to them and is owned by the Lozada family. However, they claimed that the person asserting ownership over the property is allegedly not connected to the landowner.

“Ipasaka na lang ni sa korte kay korte ang makapamatuod kung unsa mo ka-legit, unsa ka legal inyong mga papel… mao na among gidahom pud, dili kay gahaman na lang pud mi nga mga squatter,” Maranao Tribal Association Higaonon Dumagat President, Domingga Macana, said.

Residents resisted as they claimed that the demolition was based solely on a notice to vacate allegedly signed by the barangay chairman, which they are contesting.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao has reached out to the barangay chairman.

Meanwhile, the commotion was placed under control quickly by the police.

The demolition was halted eventually by the local government pending a dialogue.

The city government clarified that the mayor did not authorize or give permission for any demolition.

“Ang gibasehan, ang city ordinance sa Building Code, dili siya court order. Mao nay gibasehan sa ilang lawyer mao na importante nga dunay dialogue aron mapasabot sila ug mapasabot ngano ingon ana ang pamaagi nila,” Office of the City Mayor Spokesperson, Janboy Actub, said.

The news team is also reaching out to the claimant for a statement, as of this writing.