THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said the demolition of houses and vacating of Davao Kagan-Bangsamoro Community (DKBC) settlers in a Lapanday Food Corporation (LFC)-owned in Barangay Tigatto, Buhangin District, Davao City has already been decided by both parties as LFC holds the legal rights.
Police Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan, DCPO spokesperson, said on Monday that the DKBC and LFC agreed before the barangay last February 27, 2017 that the former will vacate the area after it was determined that the lot occupied by DKBC belongs to the LFC.
Based on the barangay clearance, LFC's parent company Lapanday Prime Development Corporation (LPDC) will be constructing a perimeter fence around more or less 7,999 square meters (sqm.) land in Tigatto.
According to a recent land survey, 25 hectares of land in Tigatto was being occupied by DKBC, and the residents were already encroaching within the 321,945 sqm. land claimed by the Sta. Lucia Realty and Development, Inc. (SLRDI).
"Both have agreed during a meeting with barangay officials that a survey shall be made to determine the boundary of the subject land claimed by the Sta. Lucia Development Inc. representatives with Title number T-126840 covering the 321,945 square meters," read an agreement that was signed by LPDC, SLRDI, and DKBC.
The parties have agreed to respect whatever would be the result of the survey and that DKBC will voluntarily vacate the property.
On November 27, a demolition team from LFC composed of about 250 men some with high powered firearms went to the area and start destroying the houses.
When residents showed resistance, the security personnel fired a warning shot.
Gaspan said the residents became resistant after the demolition team tried to dismantle the mosque in the area.
She added that this issue has already been settled.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the city has been assisting residents affected by the recent demolition at KaganBangsamoro Village.
"A demoltion took place and the City Social Services and Development Office has made intervention to address their immediate needs," she said.