AFTER an hour of negotiations, the demolition team dismantled alleged illegal structures at Camp Eleaga Spring Resort at Purok Golden Shower, Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City, at around 9 a.m. on February 20, 2025.
According to the police report, the team, led by Perlito Sobiono of the Davao City Engineer’s Office (CEO), met with the resort owner, Cherry (real name withheld), to enforce the demolition order due to alleged illegal construction of buildings, structures, swimming pools, and other facilities in the area. After some time, the establishment owner eventually allowed the demolition to proceed.
Meanwhile, the resort management expressed outrage over the incident in a Facebook post. They even conducted a live broadcast as the structures and facilities in the area were being dismantled.
"Ni-serve sila og demolition notice nga wala'y due process gikan sa korte. Gi-'blindsided' mi. Wala pa gani proseso, gusto na nila ipang-demolish ang among balay ug panginabuhi aron kawaton ang among hinaguan," the post stated.
The post further stated they were trying to complete the necessary documents to legalize the resort’s operations. However, their efforts would be in vain.
The Camp Eleaga management also accused Barangay Malabog Captain Jessielito Areja of "abusing power" in a separate Facebook post.
The resort owner called on the Davao City local government for assistance, denying claims their business was within a watershed preservation area.
On the other hand, Barangay Malabog Council, through its Facebook page, released images of documents and notices related to the Camp Eleaga Spring Resort demolition, issued by the Office of the City Engineer and the Office of the City Mayor informing them of the scheduled demolition.
The documents outlined violations committed by the resort, including the lack of a Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy, which were in violation of the National Building Code of the Philippines. JRN