Tension rose in Brgy. Punta Taytay, Bacolod City, yesterday when residents, whose houses were up for demolition, threw stones and empty bottles at the demolition team.

Armed with a court order issued by Municipal Trial Courts in Cities Judge Abraham Bayona, the demolition team led by court sheriff Ronilo Morales, dismantled the houses in Purok Masinulundon.

There are about 46 houses occupying the 2.8-hectare lot owned by Domingo Pahila, but only 23 were up for demolition, Romeo Daguno, Purok chairman, said.

Daguno said his uncle, Mavin, sustained an injury on his feet when it was pierced by a protruding nail as he was preventing the demolition team from dismantling their house. He said their house was not included in the list of 23 houses up for demolition.

Norma Villa, one of the affected residents, said the land was already subdivided and the owner asked them if they want to buy the lots where their houses are built, but they cannot afford the price.

Villa said they need to pay P8,000 in equity and P5,000 for the processing fee.

Captain Rufino Alcala of Brgy. Punta Taytay said the residents had already been given notice to vacate the area several times but they refused, claiming they do not have a place where they can relocate.

Alcala said he told the residents to transfer to a lot owned by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Purok Paho but they insisted on being relocated to the 1.7-hectare lot owned by Isidro Villarosa in nearby Purok Mahigugmaon, where there are fishponds.

The tension eased only after the affected residents had a dialog with Bacolod City Legal Office Enforcement team leader Ceasar Beloria and Morales.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia agreed to help the residents so they could transfer to the lot owned by Villarosa. Residents were also given 15 days to stay in their houses while they are preparing for their relocation.

The affected residents will also be given P2,000 so they can purchase items to start rebuilding their houses at the Villarosa lot.

Residents whose houses were already demolished, put up tents in an open field in Purok Masinulundon where they will stay temporarily.*APN

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