AFTER almost a month of barricading the plot of land they have been occupying for five decades at Salmonan in Barangay 26-C along Quezon Boulevard, Davao City, the residents ended up having their houses demolished anyway.
The demolition area was a picture of tears of sadness as residents watched helplessly last May 7.
More or less 54 affected families from the barangay are temporarily residing at the Barangay 23-C covered court across the area where their houses used to stand. The 3,515-square meter land is reportedly owned by a certain Datu Bahajin Marcos Mahadali.
The demolition happened early morning last Monday, May 7. More or less a hundred of the combined forces of the armed forces and auxiliary where deployed in the demolition area to avoid the possible violence.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) City Director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum said they have enforced maximum tolerance to avoid ferocity during the demolition. Tagum also added that as early as 5 o'clock in the morning they were in the position and started to confiscate all the possible things that the residence can use to resist against them.
There are some people arrested during the demolition, but Tagum said these people were released soon after and were only held to ensure that they do not commit violent acts.
Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor Norman Baloro said that they will still need to verify the master list of the settlers to decide what help they can give.
City Social Services and Development Office head Maria Luisa Bermudo said they have been giving relief assistance and are monitoring the status of the families.
In general, the demolition was peaceful despite initial tension and resistance from some residents.