The situation in Purok Masinulundon in Brgy. Punta Taytay, Bacolod City, had normalized yesterday after the tension Wednesday morning Wednesday the demolition team and the residents, whose houses were up for demolition.

City Legal Enforcement team head, Ceasar Beloria, also said that residents are now calm after being given a 15-day extension to stay in the area.

On Wednesday, residents affected by the demolition threw stones and empty bottles at the team led by sheriff Ronilo Magbanua to prevent them from dismantling their houses.

Beloria said the demolition team did not totally dismantle the houses and left space where the residents could sleep and keep their things until the 15 day extension ends. After 15 days, he said the residents should already vacate the area.

Only 23 out of 46 houses occupying the 2.8-hectare lot owned by Domingo Pahila, were up for demolition.

Purok Chairman Romeo Daguno said they will transfer to the lot 1.7-hectare lot owned by Isidro Villarosa in nearby Purok Mahigugmaon, where there are fishponds.

Daguno said Bacolod Councilor Dindo Ramos, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Urban Poor Housing and Resettlement, is helping them by negotiating with Villarosa so they will be allowed to use his land.

He said they will agree to pay P150 a month per square meter to Villarosa within three years so they could stay on his land.

Beloria said that if the negotiations with Villarosa fail, the residents will have no choice but to transfer to the relocation site of the city in Abada Escay, Brgy. Vista Alegre.

Residents affected by the demolition had earlier opposed the idea during a dialog with Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia saying they will lose their source of income if they move to Abada Escay.*APN

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