TENSION was in the air as police set up barricades early Monday morning, May 7, in anticipation of resistance from the informal settlers of Barangay 26-C, Salmonan, Quezon Boulevard, Davao City.
Lines were drawn and giant blue shields protected the frontline cops as a team, unlike the individual shields of riot policemen. They came prepared, they even had food for the troops.
At the helm was Davao City Police Office Director Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum, who pleaded both to the resisting residents and kibitzers alike to keep the peace. By the end of the day, the demolition was done.
The operation caused a major traffic jam at Quezon Boulevard affecting adjacent streets, but there was peace.