Charges for obstruction of justice, direct assault, disobedience to agents of person in authority, and alarm and scandal were filed on November 30, 2023 against seven persons alleged to have sparked tension in a demolition in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Commotion ensued during a demolition of houses in Sitio Casia, Barangay Bankal, Lapu-Lapu City in the morning of November 29, 2023.

According to Police Major Dexter Basirgo, chief of Police Station 5, the residents created a human barricade when the sheriff arrived along with police personnel. 

Some seven persons believed to have sparked the commotion were arrested. 

The demolition was on its second day, but only 17 of the 39 houses were torn down because of the tension.

The sheriff said that the demolition order came out last year but serving it took a delay.

The affected area was reportedly awarded to three urban poor groups. However, there are families that refused to join any of the three groups.

In an official statement sent by Anakbayan to GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak, they condemned vehemently the arrest of Anakbayan Cebu Chairperson Kei Gabon, Anakbayan member Deviemar Opo, Ama Sugbo KMU Secretary General Howell Villacrusis, and Nagkahiusang Kabus sa Lapu-Lapu members Marjhun Amaroro and Belt Sasar. 

The five allegedly formed a human barricade to stop the demolition which they deemed “illegal.”

The other two who were earlier arrested were identified as Crisanto Gabutan and Julio Pedelion. 

A resident named Rosen Mabasar questioned the demolition, citing that the mayor was not around, that there were no members of the media and City Social Welfare and Development officers during the serving of the order.

Anakbayan urged for the immediate release of the seven individuals saying the arrest is “unjust.” 

However, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, said they are bent on the filing of appropriate charges.